The body of Harrison Edward Nada-Kantounas, 23, was found today following a search that was launched with pals and Indonesian officials after he vanished on September 17
A missing British tourist, who vanished from a beach on the island of Bali, has been found dead as his grieving pals slam rescuers.
Harrison Edward Nada-Kantounas, 23, from East London, disappeared while he was out swimming with friends at Leigan Beach, Kuta, on September 17. He ended up being swallowed up by a strong rip current and vanished below the water’s surface.
His body was found today with officials stating he suffered injuries to his head, including a broken nose. His family said in a statement: “It is with deepest sorrow that we confirm that the body of our beloved son, Harrison Nada-Kantounas, 23, was recovered today, approximately two miles offshore from the beach in Bali where he was last seen.
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“Harrison had suffered injuries, including a head wound and a broken nose. We are heartbroken beyond words. Harrison was a bright, kind, and loving young man whose absence leaves an unimaginable void in the lives of his family and friends.”
His mum thanked those who had supported the family during their difficult time, adding: “The kindness and generosity shown, from strangers on the beaches of Bali to people across the world who donated, has carried us through.
“Harrison was loved deeply, and we have felt that love reflected to us in the solidarity of so many. A very special thanks must go to Harrison’s friends, who searched tirelessly through the night, never resting, never giving up, and never wanting to stop.”
Friends paid tributes to much-loved Harrison whose humour and warmth was praised. But one of Harrison’s close pals, who was at the beach at the time, said lifeguards and emergency crews failed to respond in time.
He told The Sun: “The last 24 hours have been the most devastating of our lives. We were four 23-year-old boys from England on holiday. Three of us went into the sea, one stayed on shore. Only two made it back – not Harrison.”
The friend alleged lifeguards had been slow to react and claimed one of them was glued to his phone during the incident. He added: “By the time they responded, it was already too late.”
He also claimed red flags were only placed out following the incident, despite local reports stating they had been there. The friend then claimed the following morning the team arrived two hours late and brought “one rubber boat and a jet ski.”
The Head of the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, Nyoman Sidakarya, said: “We urge you to be careful when engaging in outdoor activities, including beach tourism. We received a report at 18.40, that a foreigner had drowned from Mr Ipel, Balawiata Kuta, then five personnel were dispatched to the location.
“Our initial step is to coordinate with witnesses and other SAR elements. If he is not found tomorrow morning (today), we can determine our next action plan.” A GoFundMe campaign in Harrison’s name has raised more than £27,000.