Scuba diver dies as current splits group in Bali

• Steve Weinman
• on September 17, 2026
• at 10:41 am

A 40-year-old Malaysian woman died during a recreational scuba-diving trip off Nusa Penida in Bali yesterday morning (16 September). 

Local police and the dive operator reported that Siti Nuraini Binti Rusidi had joined a group boat excursion at 8am. She was said to have accommodation at Dive Concepts Lembongan in Jungutbatu Village on Nusa Lembongan.

An initial dive was carried out at Manta Bay, with guide Eugenius Francisco Ray later telling the authorities that Siti Nuraini had experienced spells of coughing before her descent. When asked about her physical well-being, she had affirmed that she was fit to dive.

After relocating to the second dive-site at Crystal Bay at around 11am, Siti Nuraini was asked again how she was feeling, and had indicated her intention to proceed with the planned dive. 

Shortly after the group entered the water and descended a sudden, strong current was said to have caused conditions to deteriorate rapidly, with three divers being swept away from the main group. 

The dive-guide instructed Siti Nuraini to remain in place while he moved to locate and secure the three separated divers. However, she was said to have been distressed and, once the current had subsided about 10 minutes into the dive, was found to be unresponsive. 

Signs of panic

Witnesses told local media that while separated from the rest of the group Siti Nuraini had acted as if she had run out of gas, showing visible signs of panic and removing her regulator mouthpiece. A guide identified as Wando Salone had offered her his octopus and helped her to ascend.

Back on the dive-boat, Siti Nuraini had initially retained a slight pulse but was reported to be foaming at the mouth and nose. The boat captain headed to Nusa Lembongan to seek immediate medical intervention.

Staff from the Nusa Medika Clinic intercepted the transfer at Lembongan, but Siti Nuraini was unresponsive and was pronounced dead en route to the medical facilities.

Klungkung district law enforcement and regional maritime police have launched an investigation into the incident. An official cause of death awaits the results of a post-mortem examination.

Also on Divernet: Australian scuba diver dies in Bali incident

• Bali, diver rescue, diving fatality, Malaysian diver, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, Siti Nuraini Binti Rusidi

Steve has been a scuba diver for 32 years and became editor of Diver magazine in 1996, following 10 years with BBC World Service and the 10 before that in motoring journalism.