What began as a group of teenagers spending time by the water ended in a heartbreaking tragedy after several students were swept out to sea along southwestern coast.
The incident happened around 3:30 p.m. on Friday, in Kagoshima Prefecture, A group of middle and high school students had been playing along a rocky section of the coast and jumping into the sea when four students were swept away.
A 12-year-old student was rescued and Another student who remained on shore called for help as rescuers began searching the water.
The three teenagers who were swept away and later died were identified as 17-year-old Haruki Shitaebisu, his 13-year-old younger brother, Kensei, and 14-year-old Takahiro Takemoto.
Two of the boys' bodies were recovered from the sea on the morning of Aug. 29 and were confirmed dead. The third was found later that afternoon in cardiopulmonary arrest and was also confirmed dead.
The tragedy occurred after the local meteorological observatory had forecast rough waves in the area. However, no official wave warning or advisory had been issued for the coastal area at the time.
The deaths have left families and the local community mourning three young lives lost in a sudden and devastating incident.