AMLAPURA – The body of Radar Bali reporter AA Gde Bagus Narendra Prabangsa, 41, was found on Monday, police said, adding that he was likely murdered.

According to police reports, the body of the reporter, who had not been heard from since February 11, was discovered by a passing cargo boat, about a mile from Padangbai harbor.

The head of the Bali Amateur Emergency Service (Bares) Padangbai, Kadek Aris Suyasa, said as soon as they received a report from harbor authorities, a search-and-rescue and coastguard team was assembled and in 20 minutes the body was recovered.

Suyasa said the body was severely decomposed and had most likely been in the water for more than 24 hours.

After an autopsy at Amlapura Hospital, Karangasem, Dr. Gusti Putra said the victim showed signs of violence previous to his death, and would need to be examined further by forensic specialists at Sanglah Hospital in Denpasar.

Director of Radar Bali – one of a number of daily newspapers owned by the Jawa Pos Group – Justin M. Herman along with a large group of reporters gathered at Sanglah Hospital and followed the ambulance carrying the body of their colleague and friend home to Bangli.