Ichikikushikino: Two unconscious students found after drowning accident

On August 28, 2026, four middle and high school students were swept out to sea while playing near Terushima Shrine in Ichikikushikino, Kagoshima Prefecture. The incident occurred around 3:40 PM when five boys were jumping into the water at a rocky area where swimming is prohibited.

During the incident, two students attempted to rescue others from drowning, resulting in four individuals being swept away. One 12-year-old middle school student was rescued by a patrol boat. Three others—a high school student and two middle school students—remained missing.

On the morning of August 29, the Japan Coast Guard reported finding two individuals floating on the water surface near the site. Both individuals were unconscious, and authorities believe they are likely the missing students. Search and rescue operations continue.