Body Found in Search for Missing London Tourist Harrison Kontounas in Bali
Authorities in Bali have confirmed the discovery of the body of Harrison Edward Nada Kontounas, a 23-year-old Londoner who went missing while swimming off Legian Beach in Denpasar. Officials believe he drowned after being caught in a strong rip current.
Incident Details
Harrison Kontounas was swimming with two friends at Legian Beach on Wednesday when the current swept him beneath the waves. Following his disappearance, local search and rescue teams launched immediate efforts to locate him.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The Denpasar Search and Rescue team conducted extensive searches along the coastline using boats, jet skis, and drones throughout Wednesday and Thursday but were unsuccessful. On Friday, the search expanded north along another stretch of coastline. At approximately 12:30 Central Indonesian Time (05:30 BST), officials recovered a body about one mile from the location where Harrison was last seen. The body was taken to Ngoerah Central General Hospital, and identification confirmed it as Harrison Kontounas.
Community Response and Criticism
Friends and family of Harrison Kontounas have expressed deep sorrow over his loss. An online fundraising page established by his loved ones described him as "gentle, kind, funny, and full of life," emphasizing his warmth and loyalty.
However, there has been criticism regarding the timeliness and adequacy of the official response. Friends claimed lifeguards took three hours to arrive at the scene and that they personally funded a search helicopter costing approximately £1,700 due to the absence of official aerial support. The family has initiated additional fundraising efforts to cover the costs of repatriating Harrison’s body, funeral expenses, and further air rescue resources.
Statements from Authorities
Nyoman Sidakarya, head of the Denpasar Search and Help Office, confirmed the identity of the recovered body and expressed condolences to the family. The rescue team’s Instagram account detailed the search operations and updates leading up to the recovery.
Ongoing Support and Memorial
The online fundraising page has thanked all those who assisted with the search, donated, and shared Harrison’s story. His family and friends continue to receive support from the community as they navigate this tragic loss.
The incident has also raised concern about beach safety and the adequacy of emergency response measures to rip currents in popular tourist destinations like Bali.
Local authorities and search teams remain committed to improving rescue capabilities to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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