The family of a British man who went missing while snorkelling in Bali has issued a last-ditch appeal for help. Graham Smith, 67, was swimming in the Blue Lagoon Beach, Indonesia on September 28 and hasn’t been seen since.
Mr Smith, a father of six and grandfather of 11 was in Indonesia to celebrate his retirement. His partner Diana, of 36 years was the last person to see him, she alerted the coast guard after he failed to surface shortly before sunset.
Locals soon joined the search, with Balinese officials launching a major search later that evening. Graham’s children flew out to Bali as soon as news reached home. They with their in-laws joined the search, but as of today, October 7, Graham remains missing with the official search due to conclude later today.
The family has set up a JustGiving page in a desperate a bid to raise enough money to extend the search, which includes hireling a helicopter for use by the Balinese authorities. One of Mr Smiths son's said in a statement “to hire a helicopter for a maximum of six hours would cost £9,600 while the hourly search rate is £1,600.”
At the time of writing, the family has raised almost £19,000.
The family added on their JustGiving: "Our beloved Dad, Graham Smith, has centred his entire life around his family. A selfless man with a heart of gold who puts humour and care at the forefront of every day.
He is known to his grandchildren as 'Grandad Gray', who he has had endless adventures with and still has many more to experience with them as they grow. His next project, on returning from Bali, was to teach three of his grandchildren woodwork skills.
"This stage of his life is only just beginning with promises still to uphold and a life to live.
"He is a resourceful man who has been an electrical engineer, a lumberjack and handyman who devotes his life to helping his family. This is our moment to try and help him come home."
The family concluded: "Naturally, we are all extremely distressed and we need all the help and support we can get. Please help us find him.
"We absolutely cannot go home without him."
The family said the Indonesian Government will not be able to help in the search and rescue after 6pm on Friday.
They added that they have been advised a private team will then be needed to carry on the search, liaising with Indonesian Government officials.
Graham's family thanked the search and rescue teams scouring the ocean for him, paying tribute to their tireless efforts.
To donate visit JustGiving.
