TABANAN, Bali — A 59-year-old German tourist died after being swept away by strong currents while swimming at Petangahan Beach in West Selemadeg, Tabanan.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 6, near Banjar Suraberata in Lalanglinggah Village.

Police identified the tourist as Mikel Lanczek.

According to authorities, Lanczek and several companions had been staying at a villa around 100 metres from the beach.

They went to the beach at around 11 a.m., with Lanczek and two of his companions entering the water while another remained on shore.

While swimming farther from the beach, Lanczek was caught by strong waves and began drifting away from the shoreline.

One of his companions saw him struggling in the water and waving for help.

His friends attempted to reach him using a bamboo pole, but the strong current prevented Lanczek from grabbing it.

They then sought help from local residents after losing sight of him.

The incident was reported to authorities, prompting a search involving the Tabanan Disaster Mitigation Agency, West Selemadeg Police, Tabanan Police personnel and local residents.

Search teams began combing the area in the early afternoon.

Lanczek was found at around 2:50 p.m. near the area where he had initially entered the water.

His body was brought ashore and later taken for further examination.

Tabanan disaster mitigation officials urged residents and tourists to remain cautious when swimming along the coastline, warning that ocean currents and wave conditions can change quickly.

Authorities said the incident was being treated as a sea accident.