Perth family mourn Australian Craig Laidley, man who died rescuing a drowning German tourist in Bali

An Australian man who was swept away by "extreme" waves at a Bali beach has been found dead, local authorities said Friday. The 56-year-old man, identified as Craig Ridley, was described as "brave and heroic" by his loved ones. He was reportedly swept into the sea on Wednesday afternoon after rescuing a German tourist who was drowning, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation.

Ridley's brother traveled from Western Australia to Bali to assist in the search, only to learn of the tragic news upon arrival. The body of the father of two was found around 10 a.m. today (1 p.m. AEST) at Secret Bay beach, less than a kilometer from where he was last seen, according to Indonesian rescue authorities.

Ridley was swept away by currents at Balian Beach on Bali's southwest coast, about 30 kilometers from Denpasar, according to the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office. Ridley moved to Bali from Perth a few years ago, and his family told 9News that his actions were not surprising, as he was someone who "brought kindness, strength, light and laughter to those around him."

While Craig's family grieves the loss of a beloved father, son, and brother, they now face the daunting task of bringing him home for burial. Loved ones hope his heroic spirit will inspire others to act bravely and selflessly, extending a hand to those in need. The head of the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, Nyoman Sidakarya, previously stated that his team of 10 tried to locate the missing Australian from Perth on Wednesday night, with another search conducted yesterday afternoon, using rubber boats and other vessels, but conditions were extremely difficult.

“Information from the field team indicates that the wave conditions were extremely bad, and no trace of the victim was found while carrying out the search,” Sidakarya said. Jack Ridley, one of Craig's relatives, posted on social media appealing for help in finding him. "Our uncle/brother/and son (Craig) was last seen yesterday Oct 16th at approx 4pm helping a man reportedly drowning in the ocean between the Tebing Balian rocks near Balian beach," he wrote. "After saving this man's life, he was seen drifting back into the ocean. Local fishing boats were reportedly involved in the search last night and this morning."

Kate Ferguson, national media vice-president for the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, said the man he rescued was a German named Mickro Stara. "If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Craig Ridley, our family would be most grateful," she wrote. "We will continue to pray to all the gods that he returns safely. He radiated such bright, beautiful energy and was so loved."