A wave swept away a 20-year-old university student at a Punta Cana beach, initiating a widespread search effort.
Sudiksha Konanki, a University of Pittsburgh student, vanished on March 6 after being swept away by a wave while swimming, according to Joshua Riibe, the sole eyewitness, Fox News reported.
Konanki's disappearance has prompted a missing person case, with a significant investigation underway in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Joshua Riibe, a 24-year-old student from Iowa at St. Cloud State University, is the only known eyewitness to the event. He described the incident where a powerful wave hit them while there was a red-flag warning about strong currents.
Both Konanki and Riibe were staying at the RIU Republica resort during their spring break, with Konanki having arrived on March 3 and Riibe two days earlier. Surveillance footage captured the two with a group approaching the beach on that fateful morning around 4:15 a.m. Concerningly, only Riibe returned to the resort hours later, at approximately 10 a.m.
Authorities in the Dominican Republic commenced an investigation and interviewed Riibe for nearly four hours on March 12, spanning over 50 questions. However, some unresolved issues remain as Riibe declined to answer eight specific questions, following his lawyer's guidance. Despite his non-responsiveness on certain points, Riibe's lawyer emphasized his continued cooperation with authorities and his status as a non-suspect.
Technological aids such as AI-equipped drones are being deployed in the concerted search efforts for Konanki. Authorities are also analyzing phone data from Konanki's acquaintances as they endeavor to find any leads that might shed light on her whereabouts.
Riibe reportedly confessed his profound distress over the event and recounted specific details in his police interview transcript. His story outlines a scene where the water’s strength dragged them into the sea. After surfacing, they tried to seek help, but there was no one available to assist them at that early hour.
Albert and Tina Riibe, the parents of the eyewitness, stated through their attorneys: "Despite his full willingness to cooperate, Josh has been detained under irregular conditions and subjected to extensive questioning without the presence of official translators or legal counsel until Wednesday, March 12."
Riibe mentioned his last sight of Konanki as she walked away knee-deep in the sea, before he succumbed to physical exhaustion and vomited, alleging that he blacked out onshore. Even after regaining consciousness, Riibe did not immediately alert the hotel staff or authorities about Konanki's disappearance.
Statements from Riibe's family reflect their emotional turmoil surrounding the situation. They have expressed sympathy for Konanki’s family, acknowledging the complex and painful situation for all parties involved. Riibe's family emphasized the need for a thorough and fair investigation, with respect to due process throughout the inquiry.
Their concern extends to Sudiksha's family, as they hold hope for her safe return amidst this intense search operation. Meanwhile, authorities have stated the open status of this case as a missing person investigation, citing the absence of any criminal suspects thus far.
Efforts are on-going, with various resources allocated to uncover the circumstances that led to Konanki’s disappearance. As both families and authorities continue the search, the intricate details provided by Riibe remain a pivotal focus in interpreting the events.
In his final statement to police, Riibe reiterated his cooperation and yearning for resolution, while Dominican authorities maintain an active and open investigation. This incident underlines the stark reality of unexpected tourist mishaps and the subsequent demand for rapid response and complex inquiry.
