A desperate search continues for a missing Australian man swept out to sea after he heroically saved a distressed swimmer’s life at a Bali beach.
Craig Laidley, 56, was walking on Tabanan’s Balian Beach, on the island’s south at about 4.30pm on Wednesday when he heard a German swimmer call out for help.
The Perth man rescued Micro Stalla, 29, but was then swept out by an ‘extreme’ wave.
More than 24 hours later, the search for Mr Laidley continues.
‘Last night our team try to search for the victim by combing the mainland and today the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office deployed 10 people divided into land and sea,’ Denpasar Search and Rescue Office head I Nyoman Sidakarya said.
A joint team, dressed in bright orange, used rubber boats to search for Mr Laidley within a 10km radius of where he was last seen and scoured the coastline on foot.
‘The wave conditions are currently extreme and the search is being conducted by the land,’ Sidakarya added.
Mr Laidley’s frantic family have shared online appeals pleading for locals and tourists in the area to help with the search while holding onto hope that he will be found safe.
Craig Laidley (pictured left with former boxer Danny Green) remains missing
Craig Laidley went missing in Bali on Wednesday after rescuing a German swimmer. The search (pictured) continued on Thursday
Mr Laidley was walking on Tabanan’s Balian Beachwhen he heard the German swimmer call for help about 4.15pm
It’s understood Mr Laidley was staying in a villa near the beach prior to his disappearance on Wednesday
‘Hello, our family is seeking assistance from the public in Bali,’ his nephew Jayke Laidley posted on Facebook.
‘Our uncle/brother/son (Craig) was last seen helping a male that was reportedly drowning in the ocean between Tebing Balian rocks near Balian Beach.
‘He was then seen drifting back out to the ocean after saving this man’s life.’
Another relative wrote: ‘More than 24 hours later, the search for Craig continues.
‘We will continue to pray to all of the gods for his safe return. He shines with such bright, wonderful energy and is dearly loved.’
Local fishing boats have reportedly been assisting authorities in the ongoing search.
It’s understood Mr Laidley was staying in a villa near the beach.
Craig Laidley was swept out to sea out by the powerful current
Craig’s family have appealed for help in the desperate search
The joint team, dressed in bright orange, used rubber boats to search for Mr Laidley within a 10km radius of where he was last seen and scoured the coastline on foot
Mr Laidley was reported missing to police about 5pm after rescuing the German swimmer about 4.15pm
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it’s providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian reported missing in Indonesia.
‘Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment,’ a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
Balian Beach is a 90minute drive from Denpasar International Airport, making it a popular destination for tourists.
It’s described as a remote seaside village midway up Bali’s west coast known for its relaxed vibes.
‘There were no visitors until surfers discovered the powerful swells and strong rip,’ bali.com states.
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