Australian man Craig Laidley dies a hero saving tourist at Bali beach

An Australian father who died a hero saving another swimmer from “extreme” surf conditions has been remembered as a man who bright kindness, strength, light and laughter to those around him.

Australian man Craig Laidley, 56 (L) drowned at Balian Beach, Selemadeg, while trying to rescue a German tourist from the rough waves. Pictured with cousin Rob Laidley in Bali in November 2023. Picture: Supplied

An Australian man who died a hero after saving a man in “extreme” surf conditions off a Bali beach has been remembered as brave man who brought “kindness and laughter to those around him”.

Craig Laidley, 56, was walking on Balian Beach, Selemadeg, on Bali’s mid-west coast when he jumped into the rough water to save a German swimmer who was calling for help on Wednesday afternoon.

The 29-year-old German man, Micro Stalla, survived but Mr Laidley was swept out by the current, which resulted in a search for Perth man for about 36 hours.

Mr Laidley’s body was found around 7.30pm on Friday morning on Secret Bay Beach, about 1km west of where he first entered the water, Indonesian police said.

Australian man Craig Laidley, 56, drowned at Balian Beach, in Bali, while trying to rescue a German tourist from the rough waves. Pictured at the Omara Classic in 2018. Picture: Supplied

The family said they were “ in shock and devastated by the loss of our beloved Craig Laidley,” in a statement provided to this masthead.

“It is no surprise to us that he put his life on the line to help another in need,” the statement read.

“His bravery and determination are a testament to his character. A man who bright kindness, strength, light and laughter to those around him.

The body of missing Australian man, Craig Laidley, 56, feared drowned at Balian Beach, Selemadeg, was found at Secret Bay Beach this morning. Picture: Denpasar Search and Rescue Office

The body of missing Australian man, Craig Laidley, 56, feared drowned at Balian Beach, Selemadeg, has been found at Secret Bay Beach this morning. Picture: Denpasar Search and Rescue Office

The family expressed their “deepest gratitude to every person who has offered their assistance during their tragic event”.

“The police for their quick response, the search and rescue teams for their around the clock tenacity and the countless locals and tourists who have pitched in their time, efforts and care to help,” the statement read.

“We hope Craig’s spirit inspires others to act with courage, selflessness and offer a helping hand to those in need.”

Australian man Craig Laidley, who drowned at Balian Beach, Blai, is pictured with Richard Daniels at a Laidley family party in Bali in 2018. Picture: Supplied

“Craig leaves behind two sons and an extended family who will love and miss him dearly,” the statement continued.

“Bali was a place of celebration and healing for Craig. May he rest in peace.”

Craig Laidley, pictured with boxer Danny Green in 2017, drowned at Balian Beach, Selemadeg, while trying to rescue a German tourist from the rough waves. Picture: Facebook

Police said Mr Laidley’s family have opted against an autopsy but an “external examination of the body doesn’t find any sign of violence”.

His body has been taken to Prof Ngoerah Hospital in Denpasar, after earlier being taken to the Selemadeg Barat Heath Centre.

Denpasar Search and Rescue Office (DSRO), Selemadeg Barat Police, Tabanan Water Police, Selemadeg Barat Mobile Health Centre, Bhuana Bali Rescue and the local community were involved in the search for the man from Perth.

Police started searching on Wednesday evening. Picture: Denpasar Search and Rescue Agency

DSRO head Nyoman Sidakarya had earlier described the wave conditions off Balian Beach as “extreme”.

On Thursday, crews were searching in a 6km zone from east to west from the last known location of Mr Laidley at Balian Beach.

The search area is a 6km zone from east to west from the last known location of Mr Laidley at Balian Beach. Picture: Denpasar Search and Rescue Agency

Concerned rescue crews at the beach where Craig Laidley disappeared. Picture: Indonesian Police

Balian Beach is approximately a three-hour drive north of Kuta, the popular Bali tourist haven well-known for it’s party atmosphere and surfing in the Indian Ocean.

The beach is roughly the same distance from Denpasar International Airport, making the coastal location a popular place among foreign tourists.

Balian Beach is also popular among surfers who are looking for a lesser known location off the beaten path.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said it was providing consular assistance to the family.