An Australian man has died following a scuba diving accident in Bali, according to multiple reports.
On Tuesday, Dec. 30, Nathan John Scott, 40—who was set to turn 41 in the coming weeks—was diving near Segara Beach in Tulamben when the incident occurred, Sky News Australia and news.com.au reported.
A diver from South Africa told authorities that Scott appeared to panic at a depth of around 49 feet. At the time, he was nearly a mile offshore. Witnesses said Scott removed his diving regulator before rapidly swimming toward the surface.
Scott was reportedly accompanied by two instructors when the incident happened, with one of them calling for help, according to news.com.au.
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A local fisherman who arrived by boat said Scott’s body was “floating” when he reached the scene. With assistance from the South African diver and another man, the fisherman helped lift the unconscious diver into the boat and return to shore, where emergency services were called.
Scott was taken to a medical facility but later died, news.com.au reported.
Kubu Police Chief I Nyoman Sukarma told the Daily Mail that witness accounts indicate the diver suffered a panic attack underwater and suddenly removed his regulator.
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The Australian Consulate in Bali issued a statement to news.com.au following the incident.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Bali,” a spokesperson said. “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time.”
Authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
