'Heartbroken' family join Bali search for Temson Junior Simeki

The family of the Kiwi man missing off the coast of Bali in a tragic incident have flown to Indonesia to help search for him.

Temson Junior Simeki and his German girlfriend Leonie Hafke were part of a group of people at the Angel's Billabong tourist spot on Nusa Penida Island when several large waves hit on Monday morning (local time).

A witness, also on the rocks at the time, told Newshub the first wave smashed into Ms Hafke. "She was screaming for help, wounded, and nobody could do anything because the next wave was already on its way."

Mr Simeki immediately dove in to save her, she said.

Ms Hafke was rescued four hours later by a snorkelling boat, but Mr Simeki has not been found.

His parents, brother and brother-in-law have flown to Bali to meet with Ms Hafke in hospital and search for Mr Simeki.

"At this stage we are all heartbroken with hurt," his sister April Simeki told Newshub.

"My father and my partner have left for Bali this morning. They are going to try their best to find him and bring TJ back home.

"I don't have much to say really, just hurt."

Mr Simeki's brother Cruz told NZME Ms Hafke was still in a critical condition but had stabilised.

She's had surgery for a collapsed lung and is covered in cuts and bruises, he said.

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck off the coast of Bali on Wednesday, temporarily halting search efforts.

Cruz told NZME the search is resuming on Thursday, with the help of villagers and scuba divers.

"They've got all the local villagers helping search. The chiefs are looking on the beaches.

"We are just hoping we find him or any of signs of him. We want something at least.

"All I could think about was him jumping in to save her and how she must have been feeling when she was found four hours later. I can't imagine what they went through. I feel helpless from here."

Mr Simeki and Ms Hafke worked together at The Riverhead Tavern in northwest Auckland.

Tavern owner Stephen Pepperell says it was great to see Mr Simeki grow to become a delightful young man.

Insurance expired days before tragedy

The family has started a Givealittle page after Mr Simeki's travel insurance expired less than two weeks ago, as he decided to travel for longer.

Since Tuesday more than $5,000 has been raised.

All funds will be used for getting the family to Bali, bringing Mr Simeki home and funeral costs, the page says.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to Mr Simeki's family, and for privacy reasons is not providing further details.

Newshub.