foreign tourist from New Zealand has gone missing and was possibly killed after being swept away by waves in Nusa Penida waters off Indonesia’s famous resort island of Bali on Monday.
The incident took place when three tourists, 23-year-old Temson Junior Simeki from New Zealand, Leonie Alanise Hafke, 20, from Germany and Indonesian Kalia Betari Utami, 24, visited a famous natural swimming pool, the Angel’s Billabong, in Bunga Mekar village in Nusa Penida district on Monday at about 10:45 a.m. tribunnews.com reported.
The three were taking selfie photos on the edge of a cliff when a big wave hit them and dragged Hefke into the sea while Kalia fell to the ground and suffered wounds to her head after hitting a rock. Temson withstood the wave, but he jumped into the sea to rescue Hafke.
Unfortunately, the two of them were pulled out to sea by the currents.
An Australian, James Crawford, 46, who was snorkeling in Manta Bay off a boat, managed to rescue Hafke.
Nusa Penida Police chief Comr. I Ketut Suastika confirmed the incident and said that as of Tuesday morning police, along with the Bali chapter of the National Search and Rescue Agency, were continuing to search for the New Zealander.
Although the New Zealand Herald has reported that Simeki's body had been found, the newspaper does not give details and Indonesian media is reporting that the man is still missing.
Kalia was admitted to Sanglah Provincial Hospital as she needed intensive treatment for serious head injuries, while Hafke was taken to Nusa Penida community health center. (rin)
Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.
Quickly share this news with your network—keep everyone informed with just a single click!
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Get the best experience—faster access, exclusive features, and a seamless way to stay updated.