Aussie teenager dies in Bali while snorkelling
A NSW Central Coast teenager who drowned while snorkelling in Bali has been described as a well-liked student and "all-round sports lover".
Tributes were quickly surfacing on Facebook for 16-year-old Jack McCabe, with one reading: "I love you jack mccabe, RIP," and another saying: "16yrs a beautiful life taken tragically today in Bali ... RIDE THE SURF JACK, You will be forever missed."
Mark Macaulay, Jack's principal at Kincumber High School, described the year 10 student as a happy boy who would be greatly missed.
"Jack was a very well liked, happy student who was popular with his friends and teachers," Mr Macaulay said in a statement.
"He was a keen surfer, tennis and soccer player, and all-round sports lover.
"He will be greatly missed."
The teenager from Avoca was on holiday near the Indonesian resort island with his family when he drowned at about midday local time (2pm AEST) on Thursday.
He had earlier been snorkelling with his parents at Crystal Bay near the island of Nusa Lembongan, a popular surf and diving destination about 90 minutes by boat from Bali.
Local police said it was believed that the teenager had signalled for help after hitting his head on a boat when surfacing but then lost consciousness.
His body was recovered from the water by his parents and a crew from a nearby boat.
"The parents wanted to take some rest while he wanted to go snorkelling again," Klungkung District police chief Tri Wahyudi said.
"The boat crew and his parents helped get him into the boat and then took him to a local clinic. They tried to save him, but by the time they reached the local clinic he was already dead."
The Department of Immigration said staff at the Australian consulate were assisting Jack's family in Bali, where they remain.
Jack is the second Central Coast teenager to die on holiday at the popular tourist destination within the past six months.
In November, Jake Mitchell Flannery, 18, died in Bali after being electrocuted when he touched a faulty neon sign.
He was on a schoolies trip with a group of friends when he died.
Mr Macaulay said counselling was being provided to staff and students at Jack's school.
