A Malaysian woman with more than 50 dives and rescue diver certification has died during a scuba diving trip at Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida, Bali.
Siti Nuraini Rusidi, 39, was part of a diving group that visited Manta Bay and Crystal Bay on 16 September. The group began their first dive at Manta Bay at around 8am local time. Before entering the water, a diving guide noticed Siti 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 11am. Before entering the water, the guide again asked Siti whether she wanted to dive or remain on the boat. She chose to join, The Bali Times reported, citing police.
During the dive, the group encountered strong underwater currents that separated several members. Siti was later found 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 provided his own breathing equipment and helped her return to the surface. Siti was taken aboard the boat and initially remained responsive, The Scuba News reported, citing the police account. 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 while being transported. Medical personnel initially suspected respiratory arrest, but police said the exact cause of death had not been established.
Nusa Penida Police Chief Kompol I Ketut Kesuma Jaya said investigators were examining the circumstances surrounding the death. “The investigation is still ongoing, including efforts to determine the exact cause of death,” he said on Thursday.
Police have questioned the diving guides, boat captain and other witnesses. “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. She had been staying at Dive Concepts Lembongan in Jungutbatu, Nusa Penida.
Although strong currents formed part of the sequence of events described by witnesses, there is currently no official finding that the currents caused Siti’s death. Police said no request for an autopsy had been submitted by the victim’s family as of Thursday.
