British tourist, Harrison Nada-Kantounas, 23, from East London, was found dead about two miles offshore after being taken by a rip current at Legian Beach, Kuta, in Bali on Wednesday afternoon, his family have announced. His body was recovered today and had suffered injuries including a head wound and a broken nose. Harrison was on holiday in Bali with three friends, and on the afternoon of the incident, three went into the water at Legian Beach while one stayed onshore but only two managed to make it back. In a statement released earlier today, Harrison’s grieving family confirmed the tragic discovery.Â
The family said in the 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. 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 mother also said: “My family and I want to thank every single person who has supported us during this horrific time.Â
“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.Â
“Their courage, love, and determination gave us hope when we needed it most, and we will forever be grateful.”
The family added: “Harrison was one of the most gentle, kind, and funny young men you could ever meet. He lived his life with joy and openness, treasuring every moment and holding his family and friends as at the very centre of his world. His loyalty was unwavering, his warmth shone through in every interaction, and his generous soul touched all who crossed his path.”
The family also wishes to pay special tribute to Marlon, the local lifeguard who was deeply involved from the very moment Harrison was swept away.
Marlon came within just a metre of reaching Harrison during those critical first minutes. It was Marlon who later recovered Harrison’s body from the sea. They also wish to thank the local hotel staff, Kahn, Aris, Maha & Johnny at the Hard Rock Hotel who they said “have been tremendously supportive.”
The crowdfunding campaign launched to support the search has now raised over £27,000. They said the funds helped pay for the private helicopter and other emergency resources when official support was unavailable.
The remaining money, the family said, will go toward repatriating Harrison’s body to the UK and covering funeral expenses. Any surplus funds will be donated to a charity in his memory.
Despite initial reports of a coordinated search effort, the family claimed there were no red flags raised before Harrison entered the water, and that official rescue teams took hours to arrive and that the support was limited, forcing his friends to lead an exhausting 32-hour search on foot and even pay for a private helicopter out of their own pockets to continue the search.
Local authorities reported that the conditions were hazardous when Harrison was carried off by the current, with winds reaching speeds of 30 km/h and rough waves, which complicated the deployment of comprehensive rescue equipment.
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.Â
“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.”
