Australian man Craig Laidley dies a hero during rescue at dangerous Bali beach
An Australian man has died after being thrown into the sea while heroically saving a distressed swimmer on a dangerous beach in Bali.
Craig Laidley, 56, was walking on Balian Beach in Tabanan on Wednesday afternoon when he heard a German swimmer calling for help after being swept away by rough seas.
Mr Laidley jumped into the water and successfully pulled the German swimmer to safety, but shortly afterwards he was caught by the current and swept out to sea.
A land and sea search was launched to locate him, but tragically his body was discovered on Thursday morning.
Police say Mr Laidley lived in Bali but is originally from Perth.
About a 90-minute drive from Denpasar International Airport, Balian Beach is a popular beach for tourists.
However, locals warn that it can be very dangerous due to the powerful currents and large waves.
Craig Laidley (pictured left) has died after being thrown into the sea while heroically saving a distressed swimmer on a beach in Bali
A desperate search was launched to find him, but tragically his body was found on Friday morning
Witness Wayan Sudarma told ABC there were no warning signs on the beach, even though it was known to be dangerous.
‘These types of incidents often happen here. About four months ago, a foreigner went missing. He was found dead four hours later.
‘There have been five such incidents in the past five years.’
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says it is providing consular assistance to the family.