A British diver has been found dead after being dragged under by a powerful riptide during a high-risk solo dive in Indonesia.
Robert Ladd, 45, vanished beneath the waves after entering treacherous waters without a boat in a dangerous bid to take on strong ocean currents.
The experienced diver had walked straight into the sea with his gear – but never resurfaced, as reported by Need To Know.
His body was later discovered in the water following what authorities described as an encounter with the deadly ‘Indonesian Throughflow’.
Robert, from Hillingdon, West London, had been diving off the coast of Gili Air, a remote island in the Lombok region of West Nusa Tenggara.
He entered the water at around 11am on 24 March but sparked alarm when he failed to return an hour later.
Loved ones and local dive operators raised the alert, triggering a major search effort.
At around 1:20pm, his body was found in the water at a depth of around 12 metres near where he had been diving.
Paramedics desperately attempted CPR on shore, but tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
His body was later taken to Bhayangkara Hospital in Mataram, where a post-mortem examination is due to be carried out.
A huge rescue operation was launched involving regional marine police, the military, Air Navy teams, local police, fire and rescue crews, disaster management officials and volunteers.
The area is known to be extremely dangerous for divers, particularly those going alone, due to fierce riptides caused by the so-called ‘Indonesian Throughflow’.
Gusti Komang Aryadana, search chief, said: “After maximum first aid efforts were performed, the medics declared the victim had died.”
Heartbroken family and friends have since paid tribute online.
Joanne McCallum said: “Today our family was broken.
“In a place he loved the most the Gili air ocean, we lost @robtheladd the best Partner Brother Son Uncle Nephew Cousin Friend & Part of the Manta Dive family.
“You’ve left a massive hole my darling and Hope you’re with Mum now.
“Love you always Rob.”
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