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fficials and local divers are continuing to search for a Thai diver who was swept away 10 days ago by strong undercurrent off Nusa Penida.

The search has expanded into the waters around nearby Lombok Island. “A team from the Marine Police, the National Search and Rescue Agency [Basarnas], the diving company used by the victim and the diving community have continued the search, Bali Marine Police chief Snr. Comr. Agoes Doeta said.

“In the previous days the search was focused in the area the victim was last seen. In coming days we will focus on the offshore area around Lombok.”

The police have dispatched a patrol boat and Basarnas has deployed a helicopter for the search.

The missing diver was identified as Tharitsa Meesok, who, along with 19 other tourists, made a dive on Aug. 13.

Meesok was a certified diver who had completed 70 dives in various countries, according to reports.

The 29-year-old was last seen diving into Crystal Bay, a popular diving port in the north of Nusa Penida.

Another group of 20 divers also entered the water at the same time.

The divers were expecting to see mola mola, the world’s heaviest known bony fish, which is native to Bali’s waters.

“At a depth of around 12 meter the divers suddenly encountered a powerful undercurrent,” Doeta said.

“Most of the divers were swept away and separated from their groups. The diving instructors tried their best to assist the divers. In the aftermath of the strong undercurrent all but one diver managed to get to safety,” he said.

Meesok’s family and friends have appealed for help through social networking websites, asking local Balinese to assist the search.

According to one dive operator’s website, Crystal Bay was situated on a white sand lagoon that offered an underwater cave system. Prospective divers were also warned that “the current could be tricky.”