The victim was first discovered by beachgoers and local residents, who saw a body floating in the sea. The body was later evacuated to shore by locals along with a joint search and rescue (SAR) team.

Bilanovic, a tourist from Serbia, had been staying temporarily at Wina Holiday Hotel in Kuta, Badung. He had previously been reported missing since Tuesday (April 28, 2026) after visiting the same beach.

The discovery followed an ongoing search operation conducted by a joint SAR team comprising the Denpasar Police Water Unit (Satpolairud), Balawista lifeguards, and Basarnas. At approximately 1:00 PM, a witness, Dewa Putu Arik Mertayasa, received a report from a beach visitor about an unconscious person floating in the water.

The witness immediately contacted emergency services and, יחד with several locals, approached the location by wading into the sea up to thigh level. Upon closer inspection, the victim was found lying face-up, with his head pointing west.

The body was then brought ashore and handed over to the SAR team. Authorities transported the remains using a Balawista ambulance to Prof. Dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital in Denpasar for further examination.

According to another witness, I Ketut Parma, a tour guide, the victim was confirmed to be the same tourist reported missing a day earlier to the South Kuta Police. At the time he was last seen, Bilanovic was wearing dark green shorts and no shirt.

The body was located at coordinates -8.805063, 115.234632 in the waters off Mengiat Beach.

Police have stated that the exact cause of death remains under investigation. Officers have conducted a crime scene examination, questioned several witnesses, and are coordinating with the hospital for autopsy and forensic procedures.

Authorities are also working with the Serbian Embassy in Jakarta regarding further handling of the case. The Denpasar Police Water Unit continues to investigate to determine the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death.