SUMBA BARAT DAYA, Indonesia — An Australian tourist who set out to watch the sunrise on a quiet beach in Southwest Sumba instead found herself fighting for her life after a teenager allegedly tried to rape her, police said.

The 30-year-old woman, identified only by her initials IMC, was visiting Pailiang Beach in Bondo Kodi Village early on the morning of June 19 when she was approached by a local teenager leading a horse.

Police said the teenager greeted the woman before suddenly grabbing her and forcing her to the ground near the shoreline. Investigators allege the suspect sexually assaulted the victim and repeatedly pushed her head beneath the seawater as she struggled to fight back.

“The victim had difficulty breathing because the suspect repeatedly pushed her head into the seawater,” Southwest Sumba Police Criminal Investigation Unit chief Iptu Yakobus Sanam said on Thursday.

The attack did not end there.

According to investigators, the suspect allegedly dragged the woman toward nearby bushes. Terrified that the assault would continue, she reportedly offered him her money and iPhone in the hope he would let her go.

Instead, the teenager allegedly took her iPhone 14 Pro.

As the suspect loosened his grip, the woman seized the chance to escape. She broke free and ran back to the hotel where she was staying, still shaken by what had just happened. Hotel staff later helped her and alerted authorities.

The victim filed a police report on June 22, three days after the incident.

Police have since detained the suspect, identified only by the initials AH, a 17-year-old student. Investigators have interviewed witnesses, secured several pieces of evidence—including the victim’s damaged phone and clothing—and arranged a forensic medical examination.

The teenager remains in police custody as the investigation continues.