Australia

Australian tourist Pamela Philip dies during diving expedition at Manta Point, Bali

An Australian has died minutes after starting a diving activity at a popular tourist attraction in Bali.

Pamela Philip, 64, collapsed shortly after arriving at Manta Point, a popular diving spot near Nusa Penida in Indonesia, around 10 a.m. Saturday.

Mrs Philip and her husband are said to have reported to Two Fish Divers 90 minutes earlier, police told local media.

The couple, who are experienced divers, signed up for the trip before boarding a boat with 11 other tourists to travel to the beautiful location.

Mrs Philip and the others were briefed about the dive and their equipment was checked by guides on the way to the dive site.

Upon arrival, their equipment was checked again and the divers were given permission to enter the water.

Just eight minutes later, Ms Philip resurfaced with a dive guide after reportedly experiencing shortness of breath.

She collapsed and lost consciousness while being helped on board.

Ms Philip collapsed just minutes after emerging from the water. She reportedly suffered from shortness of breath (Photo of rescuers and first responders at the scene)

Ms Philip collapsed just minutes after emerging from the water. She reportedly suffered from shortness of breath (Photo of rescuers and first responders at the scene)

The crew performed CPR before transporting her to the nearby Nusa Medica clinic, but resuscitation was no longer possible.

Klungkung police spokesman Agus Widiono said her body was taken to Sanglah Hospital in Denpasar for further examination and an autopsy.

The victim’s body was immediately taken to Sanglah. [The] information is that the family will perform an autopsy on the victim in [their] “It’s my homeland,” Mr. Widiono said.

It seems that the couple stayed at the Pandawa Hotel in Nusa Penida.

Mrs. Philip would have celebrated her 65th birthday in November.

No other details are known about Mr Philip, other than that he is an Australian citizen.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment.

Manta Point is one of Bali’s southernmost dive sites and is surrounded by high cliffs.

This popular tourist destination, where you can spot manta rays, is only suitable for experienced divers.

Ms Philip's body has been taken to Sanglah Hospital in Denpasar for further examination

Ms Philip’s body has been taken to Sanglah Hospital in Denpasar for further examination

Mrs Philip and her husband were among 11 others who went on a diving trip at Manta Point, a popular dive site near Nusa Penida in Indonesia, on Saturday morning (stock image)

Mrs Philip and her husband were among 11 others who went on a diving trip at Manta Point, a popular dive site near Nusa Penida in Indonesia, on Saturday morning (stock image)

The water is about 15 metres deep and the currents and sea conditions can be very rough.

Visibility is also limited underwater and the water temperature is colder than in other locations.

Indonesia is the most popular holiday destination for Australians, after overtaking New Zealand as the favourite short break destination.

According to ABS figures, about 1.37 million Australians visited Indonesia in 2023, compared to 1.26 million people who visited New Zealand.

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