Australian scuba diver dies at Nusa Penida’s Manta Point.
a boat in front of the cliffs at manta point nusa penia
Divers prepare to jump against a backdrop of Manta Point’s tall cliffs (Photo: Mark ‘Crowley’ Russell)
By Mark ‘Crowley’ Russell
Australian woman has died shortly after entering the water during a dive at Manta Point, located on the south coast of Nusa Penida, off the southeast coast of Bali.
The woman, who has been named as Pamela Philip and who is understood to be an experienced diver, was diving with local centre Two Fish Divers on Saturday, 31 August, accompanied by her husband and 11 other tourists.
The group entered the water at around , however, Ms Philip suddenly surfaced approximately 8 minutes into the dive, complaining she was having difficulty breathing. She was assisted out of the water by the dive boat’s crew but collapsed and became unconscious.
The crew administered CPR and Ms Philip was taken by boat to Penida’s Nusa Medica Clinic, but she was declared dead upon arrival.
‘At around 10.00 am the victim started diving, and was underwater for about eight minutes,’ said Iptu Agus Widiono, Head of Public Relations of the local police department, in a statement.
‘After 8 minutes underwater, Pamela suddenly returned to the surface. She was helped by her guide and tried to get back on the boat. That’s when Pamela complained of shortness of breath. When she climbed the boat ladder, Pamela collapsed unconscious.
‘The boat crew tried to provide first aid, but the victim did not regain consciousness,’ said Mr Widiono. ‘Upon arrival at Nusa Medica Clinic, the medical team checked Pamela’s condition. When checked, Pamela was declared dead.’
Mr Widiono said that Ms Philip’s body was sent directly to Prof. Nigerian Sang Leah General Hospital in Denpasar on mainland Bali, and an autopsy will be conducted on her return to Australia.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) said that consular assistance is being provided to the family.
‘We send our deepest condolences to their family and friends at this difficult time,’ said a DFAT spokesperson. ‘Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.’
Musa Pendant is the largest of a trio of islands which includes Musa Lemon gang and Nusa Ceningan – sometimes collectively referred to as the Nusa Islands – located off the southeastern coast of Bali.
Manta Point is a popular dive site, home to a cleaning station where reef manta rays from Nusa Penida’s resident population are frequently seen. The site is prone to large swells and cool water.
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