An Australian man who disappeared in waters off Bali while trying to rescue a German tourist in rough seas has reportedly been found dead.

Craig Laidley was walking along Balian Beach on the Indonesian island’s west coast on Wednesday afternoon when he heard the man shouting for help, ABC news says.

After helping to save the 29-year-old at Balian Beach, which is on Bali’s south-west coast about 30 kilometres from Denpasar, the 56-year-old was carried away by the current.

Laidley was from Perth but had reportedly lived in Bali for some time.

Relative Mark Laidley asked for help finding his cousin on social media.

“Our Uncle/Brother and Son (Craig) was last seen helping a male that was reportedly drowning in the ocean between Tebing Balian rocks near Balian Beach at 4pm 16th of October,” the Facebook post said.

“He was then seen drifting back out to the ocean after saving this man’s life.”

The post said local fishermen were helping with the search.

“We hope he is found safe,” Mark Laidley said.

Kate Ferguson also posted a plea asking the public to help find Laidley.

“Craig rescued Micro Stalla but was then swept out by the powerful current,” she wrote on Facebook.

“More than 24 hours later, the search for Craig continues.

“We will continue to pray to all of the gods for his safe return. He shines with such bright, wonderful energy and is dearly loved.”

A land and sea search, involving 10 people, including search and rescue people from Denpasar, was under way on Friday.

The Denpasar Search and Rescue Office said Laidley’s body was found on Secret Bay Beach on Friday morning, about a kilometre west of where he went missing.

-with AAP