Japanese Scuba Diver’s body found

The body of a Japanese scuba diver was found floating near a beach on the Indonesian resort island of Bali yesterday, a day after the astonishing rescue of five others in the group.

The diver was one of seven women who disappeared on Friday after setting out on a diving expedition from Nusa Lembongan, just east of Bali.

As days passed, hopes faded that any of the women would be found alive in an area known for its beauty but also strong and unpredictable currents.

But fishermen found five of the women clinging to a coral reef in rough waters on Monday, 20 kilometers from where they set off. Rescuers plucked them to safety in a helicopter and lifeboat.

Hopes rose earlier yesterday that the remaining two were also alive after villagers said they thought they had spotted them.

But officials said in the evening that members of the public found the body near Serangan beach, a surfing spot in south Bali.

“We are convinced the body belongs to one of the two missing Japanese divers,” Bali search and rescue chief Didi Hamzar said.

He said the body was taken to the Balinese capital Denpasar for an autopsy. He did not have any news on the seventh diver.

The rescued women were in hospital in Bali yesterday. They suffered dehydration and sunburn but are not in a serious condition, doctors said. (ShanghaiDaily)

Earlier: Five Japanese divers rescued near Nusa Penida