Body of British Tourist Recovered Following Drowning Incident at Legian Beach, Bali
Denpasar, Bali — September 26, 2025 — After an extensive three-day search operation, the body of a British tourist who drowned at Legian Beach has been recovered by a joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team. The tragic discovery was confirmed by the Bali Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) on Friday.
The victim, identified as 23-year-old Harrison Edward Nada Kontounas, was found around midday at coordinates 08°42’04.58"S, 115°8’56.11"E, northwest of where the incident occurred. The joint SAR team located the body using a jet ski at approximately 12:30 p.m. local time. Kontounas was pronounced dead at the scene before his body was transported to Prof. Ngoerah General Hospital in Denpasar for formal identification and further procedures.
According to Basarnas Bali Head I Nyoman Sidakarya, the search began on Wednesday following reports that Kontounas was swept away while swimming near a red warning flag at Legian Beach, alongside two others. The incident occurred around 5:00 a.m. local time. While the other two swimmers managed to safely reach the shore, Kontounas was caught by a strong current and disappeared beneath the water.
Following the alert, Basarnas quickly mobilized a team of five personnel dedicated to intensive search efforts. Initial attempts on the first day were limited to shoreline patrols due to challenging sea conditions that prevented deployment of rescue equipment offshore. On the second day, the search operation expanded significantly. This included the use of rubber boats covering a 15-square-kilometer area and jet skis scanning a separate 15-square-kilometer zone. Helicopter support assisted in aerial surveillance.
The SAR team coordinated efforts along the coastline, employing one rubber boat and two jet skis to cover waters extending from Kelan Beach and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, the land-based rescue team combed the shoreline northward from the point of disappearance.
The discovery was confirmed by matching physical characteristics with Kontounas, along with the identification of a distinctive piece of bright orange clothing still worn by the victim.
This unfortunate event serves as a somber reminder of the hazards posed by ocean currents around Bali’s popular beaches, even on seemingly calm days. The local authorities continue to urge visitors and residents to heed beach safety warnings such as red flags indicating dangerous waters.
Related developments in Bali and Indonesia’s rescue operations can be followed as authorities and the community strengthen efforts to enhance tourist safety along coastal areas.
Background
Legian Beach, located in Denpasar, Bali, is a well-known tourist destination but is also known for strong rip currents during certain conditions. The local Search and Rescue Agency, Basarnas, works diligently alongside the coast guard to respond to emergencies and ensure visitor safety.
Contact and Support Information
For beach safety guidelines and emergency assistance, tourists and residents may contact the Bali Search and Rescue Agency or local authorities responsible for maritime safety.
Reported by ANTARA News Agency
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