An Australian expatriate living in Bali has died on Balian Beach in Tabanan, West Bali, after participating in the rescue of a 29-year-old German swimmer who had been swept out to sea by heavy seas.
On Wednesday, 16 October 2024, Craig Laidley, 56, from Perth, Western Australia, responded to the screams for help from the German tourists and successfully managed to tow him back to shore only to subsequently be swept back out to sea by the strong currents where he died by drowning.
Search and rescue workers (Basarnas) later discovered the Australian’s dead body at Secret Bay Beach, one kilometer from where he had earlier rescued the struggling German swimmer. Recovery efforts were thwarted by high seas and “extreme” wave conditions at the time of the disappearance.
Two sons survive Lindey.
A statement from Laidley’s family said: “It is no surprise to us that he put his life on the line to help another in need. His bravery and determination are a testament to his character. A man who brought kindness, strength, light, and laughter to those around him.”
The family also expressed to Bali’s Search and Rescue Workers and residents who joined the search for Laidley and assisted in recovering his remains. The chief of BASARNAS Bali, Nyoman Sidarkarya, told Kompas.com that Laidley’s body was discovered by residents living near the beach at around 7:30 am on Thursday, only one kilometer away from where the man was earlier reported to have gone missing.
The incident happened along a beach on the mid-west shore of Bali, known for its treacherous waters that have claimed many lives in the past. One resident recalled at least five similar incidents over as many years.
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