American Tourist Found Safe After Overnight Drift on Jet Ski Near Bali

Bali, Indonesia – June 14, 2025

In a remarkable turn of events, an American tourist identified as Petter Picetti Falcone was safely rescued early Wednesday after drifting overnight on a Jet Ski near the popular Indonesian island of Nusa Lembongan. The 32-year-old man had run out of fuel during his excursion and was ultimately located by local fishermen around 7:30 AM near Uluwatu, located on the southwestern tip of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula.

Incident Overview

Falcone’s journey began on Tuesday, June 10, when he embarked on a Jet Ski adventure after traveling to Nusa Lembongan aboard the Haruku, a charter yacht, with nine other tourists. Following an introductory session with an instructor, Falcone set out alone, heading west toward Sanur, a coastal area in South Denpasar, just north of Serangan Port.

When he failed to return later that evening, the crew aboard the Haruku initiated a search but did not succeed in locating him. Concerned for his safety, they reported him missing to the authorities around 7 PM.

Search and Rescue Operations

The Denpasar Search and Rescue Agency led a joint effort to locate Falcone. This involved using rigid inflatable boats operated by SAR personnel, accompanied by officers from the Bali Police, local military units, and members of Falcone’s family, who joined the search efforts. Unfortunately, the extensive search conducted throughout the night yielded no results.

Rescue by Local Fishermen

The following morning, it was local fishermen aboard the Duta Lestari 08 who spotted Falcone waving for help. They quickly came to his rescue, bringing him ashore where he was received by SAR personnel. Although he survived the ordeal, he was soon transported to BIMC Hospital in the Badung regency for medical treatment.

Statement from SAR Officials

Nyoman Sidakarya, the head of the Denpasar SAR Agency, confirmed the successful recovery, stating, “We are relieved that he is safe and accounted for.” He emphasized the cooperation between local fishermen and rescue agencies as a crucial component of the operation.

Conclusion

Falcone’s harrowing experience highlights both the beauty and potential dangers of Bali’s waters. Officials urge tourists to exercise caution when engaging in water sports, including proper preparation with fuel and safety measures, to prevent such incidents in the future.

As the tourists and community reflect on this incident, it serves as a reminder of the collaborative efforts that can save lives in emergency situations. The timely intervention by local fishermen and the coordinated responses of the search and rescue teams play a significant role in ensuring safety on the seas surrounding Bali.