What is the difference between 波にのまれる and 波にさらわれる?


I encountered these 2 on a N1 聴解 practice test and even though I got the gist,
I was wondering if there is a hidden implication/nuance, or if it was just a
different way to say the same thing without sounding repetitive.

Here is the script: [![enter image description
here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/fIm8j.png)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/fIm8j.png)

As far as I can tell, both mean "swept away" by the waves and can be written
with the kanji of 呑む and 浚う respectively.

Maybe 呑まれる (using the "swallow" kanji) is a bit closer to "swallowed" by the
waves /sunken etc., while 浚われる simply means swept.




I'm Japanese.

I feel these sentences like following.

> 波にのまれる

They were covered by waves.

Someone may survive own with luck.

> 波にさらわれる

The man was washed away.

It's difficult for him to survive.

He need both of super good luck and rescue to survive.

# Additional Feeling

> 波にのまれる

Depending on the sentence context, it's also possible that the surfer fell
over in the waves.

> 波にさらわれる

washed away (ex. rip current)

Perhaps there may be a pattern of 「波にのまれる」then「波にさらわれる」.




I'm Japanese.

I feel these sentences like following.

> 波にのまれる

They were covered by waves.

Someone may survive own with luck.

> 波にさらわれる

The man was washed away.

It's difficult for him to survive.

He need both of super good luck and rescue to survive.

# Additional Feeling

> 波にのまれる

Depending on the sentence context, it's also possible that the surfer fell
over in the waves.

> 波にさらわれる

washed away (ex. rip current)

Perhaps there may be a pattern of 「波にのまれる」then「波にさらわれる」.

