GIANYAR, DEWATA.NEWS – A Russian surfer was rescued by a local fisherman after drifting at sea for nearly 20 hours in waters off Bali following strong waves earlier this week.
The surfer, identified as Iurii, 64, was reportedly carried by ocean currents from Nusa Dua in Badung Regency to waters near Lebih Beach in Gianyar Regency before being found on Friday (March 6, 2026).
Local fisherman Putu Agus Putra Yohana discovered the man while fishing about five kilometers from the shoreline. He initially noticed a surfboard floating in the water and planned to retrieve it.
“At first I thought it was just a surfboard drifting in the sea. I wanted to take it home for my child. But when I got closer, I saw someone still holding onto it,” Yohana said.
Realizing the situation, the fisherman immediately approached and helped the exhausted surfer climb onto his boat before contacting fellow fishermen and authorities to assist with the landing.
According to information gathered from local sources, the surfer had been reported missing after being swept away by strong currents while surfing in Nusa Dua waters on Thursday (March 5).
Search efforts had been carried out by Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) before the man was eventually found near Lebih Beach.
When rescued, the surfer was reportedly weak after spending many hours in the open sea.
Head of the Gianyar Police Water Unit, AKP I Gede Budarasa, confirmed that the victim was later picked up by his family along with Basarnas personnel and representatives from the hotel where he was staying.
“On Friday afternoon, the victim’s family, hotel representatives, and Basarnas officers came to the location to pick him up,” Budarasa said.
He added that the surfer was taken for medical examination and further treatment following the rescue.
Authorities have reminded ocean users to remain cautious as strong waves and changing sea conditions have been reported in several parts of Bali’s coastal waters in early March.