KLUNGKUNG, Bali — A 39-year-old Malaysian tourist died during a dive at Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida, Bali, on Wednesday after reportedly signalling that she had run out of oxygen underwater, police said.

The woman was identified as Siti Nuraini Binti Rusidi, who was staying at Dive Concepts Lembongan in Jungutbatu, Nusa Penida.

Siti was part of a diving group that visited Manta Bay and Crystal Bay on Wednesday morning.

According to police, the group began its first dive at Manta Bay at around 8 a.m. Before entering the water, a diving guide noticed that Siti was coughing and asked about her condition. She said she was still able to dive, and the first dive proceeded without incident.

The group later travelled to Crystal Bay for a second dive at around 11 a.m.

Before entering the water, the guide again asked Siti whether she wanted to dive or remain on the boat. She chose to join the dive.

During the dive, the group encountered strong underwater currents, causing several divers to become separated.

Siti was later seen with another diving group led by a guide identified as Wando Salone.

Police said Wando saw Siti signalling that she had run out of oxygen. She appeared distressed and removed her breathing equipment.

Wando then provided his own breathing equipment and helped her return to the surface.

Tourist Became Unresponsive on Way to Clinic

Siti was taken aboard the boat and initially remained responsive. Her condition later deteriorated as the boat headed toward medical assistance.

She was being taken to Nusa Medika Clinic when she became unresponsive and was pronounced dead during the journey, police said.

Medical personnel initially suspected respiratory arrest, but police said the exact cause of death had not been established.

“The investigation is still ongoing, including efforts to determine the exact cause of death,” Nusa Penida Police Chief Kompol I Ketut Kesuma Jaya said on Thursday.

Police have questioned the diving guides, boat captain and other witnesses who were present when the incident occurred.

“All witnesses have been questioned, including the diving guides, boat captain and the victim’s companions who were at the location when the incident occurred,” Kesuma said.

Siti’s body was transported by speedboat from Jungutbatu Harbour to Sanur before being taken to Bali Mandara Hospital.

Police said the investigation was continuing and that no request for an autopsy had been submitted by the victim’s family as of Thursday.