'What a hero': Man, 56, dies after being swept out to sea while trying to save tourist from drowning at beach in Bali

Craig Laidley, 56, from Perth, was walking on Balian Beach in Tabanan on the west coast, at about 4.30pm on Wednesday (16 October) when he heard a German man call out for help. Micro Stalla, 29, had been swept away in rough seas and was pleading for help when Mr Laidley heroically rushed in and saved the man’s life.

Mr Laidley, however, never made it back to shore himself. His body was found on Secret Bay Beach, around 1km from where he was pulled into the surf, on Friday morning (18 October), according to Asia Pacific Press.

“On the third day of the search, the victim was found. He was dead,” confirmed rescue chief Kadek Adi. The 56-year-old, who reportedly lives in Bali, was last seen “drifting back out to the ocean”.

Denpasar Search and Rescue Office head Nyoman Sidakarya said 10 people on his team had been scouring the land and sea for signs of Mr Laidley since Wednesday night. Rescue teams used rubber boats to search for Mr Laidley within a 10km radius of where he was last seen and also scoured the coastline on foot.

Julia Westley posted on Facebook: “This is just the saddest news. Craig Laidley was a beautiful man who was so kind, generous and loving. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends. It does not surprise me that he put others first in a life threatening situation.”

Mark Laidley wrote: “Some sad news today. RIP Craig. What a hero paid the ultimate price saving someone he didn't even know.” The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said it was providing consular assistance to the family of the Australian.