A newlywed Australian tourist honeymooning in Bali has drowned after being swept to sea by a freak wave.
Jacob Vennix, 32, and his new wife, 38-year-old Kimberly Ann, were relaxing on Pasut Beach, about 30km west of Denpasar, when tragedy struck on Monday.
The couple had been swimming when at about 3.50pm Mr Vennix became caught in a rip.
‘At around 4pm, Jacob was swept by the current into the sea. His wife Kimberly Ann immediately asked for help,’ Tabanan Police spokesperson I Gusti Made Berata said.
A local fisherman rushed help Mr Vennix in his boat but struggled to reach him due to the shifting currents.
And when the fisherman was finally able to help the Aussie holidaymaker on board, a large wave flipped the boat, police said.
‘The victim was later swept by the wave onto the beach. Some locals and the victim’s wife who were waiting on the beach immediately tried to save the victim,’ Mr Berata said.
‘The victim’s condition was unconscious.’
Newlyweds Jacob Vennix (left) and Kimberly Ann (right) were holidaying in Bali for their honeymoon
Ms Ann carried a cushion from a beach chair into the water as a floatation device to help Mr Vennix to shore
Mr Vennix was dragged out to sea at Pasut Beach on Monday afternoon. He only married on December 21
Mr Vennix was rushed to Tabanan Public Hospital, where he was declared dead. Above, police at the hospital
Footage showed Mr Vennix’s wife carrying the large cushion of a beach chair into the water to help bring Mr Vennix to shore.
The victim’s wife performed CPR with the assistance of locals and he was eventually taken to Tabanan Public Hospital, where he was declared dead.
It is understood he and Ms Ann had wed on December 21, nine days before the freak incident.
Online, just a day ago, Mr Vennix described Ms Ann as ‘my stunning wife and I couldn’t be prouder.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for comment.
More to come.
