Family holds out hope for Auckland man swept out to sea in Bali after trying to rescue girlfriend

Temson Junior Simeki, known as TJ, pictured with girlfriend Leonie Hafke. Photo / Facebook

The family of an Auckland man who was lost at sea in Bali are holding out hope that he will be found alive.

Temson Junior Simeki, known as TJ, was swept away in Bali on Monday morning while trying to save his German girlfriend, Leonie Hafke.

Simeki and Hafke were among three people taking photos at the Angel Billabong tourist spot when they were hit by a rogue wave, according to local police.

Simeki's girlfriend was knocked into the sea and he jumped in to save her. She was later rescued by an Australian snorkeller.

Simeki's sister April told the Herald four family members and a close friend of his will be travelling to Bali, and their family is praying for him to be found alive.

Temson Junior Simeki's family are travelling to Bali. Photo / Facebook

She said he was meant to be coming home next week.

Family members have set up a Givealittle page to "put towards transportation costs, travel arrangements and getting our family to Bali".

"Should the worst-case scenario arise, all donations would also be used towards expatriation costs to get TJ home," the page reads.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said search-and-rescue teams in Bali were looking for Simeki.

"The Ministry is providing consular assistance to the family of the New Zealander, and as part of this the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta is following up with local police.

"For privacy reasons the Ministry will not be providing further details."