Jacob Vennix, a 32-year-old Australian from Adelaide, drowned at Pasut Beach in Bali on Monday afternoon during his honeymoon, local authorities confirmed.
The tragedy unfolded when a strong current swept Mr. Vennix out to sea as he swam with his wife, Kimberley Fuller.
Witnesses reported that Ms. Fuller called for help immediately, prompting a local official and a fisherman to launch a rescue effort using a boat.
“The victim’s position was difficult to reach,” a witness stated in testimony provided to Balinese police.
After reaching Mr. Vennix, the boat capsized in the waves, and he was pushed toward the shore.
A video recorded by a local showed the moments following the rescue attempt.
Local residents managed to bring him to a hospital in Tabanan, but he had lost consciousness.
The couple had recently married, with their wedding taking place earlier this month.
Condolences and Tributes
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended his condolences in the wake of the tragedy, describing the incident as “such deeply sad news.”
“Our thoughts are with Jacob’s wife, family, and friends,” Mr. Albanese said in a post on social media.
This is such deeply sad news. Our thoughts are with Jacob’s wife, family and friends. https://t.co/geIz22Rbri
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 31, 2024
Ms. Fuller also paid tribute to her husband in an emotional post, calling him “the most beautiful human, partner, and father.”
“All he wanted was to marry me and love and look after me and the boys,” she wrote. “I will make sure the boys know what an angel he was. Now an angel in heaven. I love you my darling. I’m so sorry.”
Friends and loved ones joined in offering their sympathies, remembering Mr. Vennix as a thoughtful and caring individual. “We lost a great man,” one wrote. “One who loved and cared deeply, one who always showed up, one who worked so hard — at work, at home, for you and your kids.”
Official Support
In a statement, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said she was “heartbroken for Mr. Vennix’s wife and loved ones” and extended her deepest sympathies.
“I know all Australians will be thinking of them,” she added.
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed that consular assistance is being provided to the family. “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” the spokesperson said.
