A British diver has died after being caught in a powerful rip current while undertaking a solo dive in Indonesia. Robert Ladd, 45, from Hillingdon, West London, entered the water off the coast of Gili Air in the Lombok region on March 24 at around 11am local time.
When he failed to return an hour later, loved ones and local dive operators raised the alarm, prompting a major search operation. His body was discovered at approximately 1:20pm at a depth of around 12 metres near the dive site. Paramedics attempted CPR on the shore, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The area is known for dangerous rip currents caused by the 'Indonesian Throughflow', a strong ocean current that poses significant risks to divers, particularly those alone. Search chief Gusti Komang Aryadana confirmed that after maximum first aid efforts, medics declared the victim had died.
Robert's body was taken to Bhayangkara Hospital in Mataram for a post-mortem examination. The search involved regional marine police, military, Air Navy teams, local police, fire and rescue crews, disaster management officials, and volunteers.
Family and friends paid tribute online. Joanne McCallum wrote: 'Today our family was broken. In a place he loved the most the Gili air ocean, we lost @robtheladd the best Partner Brother Son Uncle Nephew Cousin Friend & Part of the Manta Dive family. You've left a massive hole my darling and Hope you're with Mum now. Love you always Rob.'
