An American tourist was rescued after spending the whole night drifting at sea following a jet ski accident off the coast of Bali.

Petter Picetti Falcone, 35, took the rented machine for a spin around the island of Lembongan but ran out of fuel - wearing only Hawaiian swimming shorts and with no supplies.

Several other tourists returned to shore on their jet skis but Petter had still not arrived back by 4pm. Crew from the day trip boat searched for him without success.

The Denpasar Search and Rescue Office received a report at 7pm and searched for several hours but returned with the waves becoming too dangerous.

However, a passing fishing boat spotted Petter calling for help at sunrise the next day. He was rescued and taken ashore to be greeted by his relieved wife.

Petter: 'Im so grateful for everyone for searching for me. It was a relief when the boat picked me up. I don't know I could've survived for another night.'

Paramedics took Petter to the BIMC Hospital for health checks.

Nyoman Sidakarya, Head of the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, added: 'The incident in Lembongan was reported to have happened at 4pm.

'A search was launched using a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) manned by four personnel. However, no results were found during the nighttime operation.

'We received a report the nest morning from one of the crew of the Duta Lestari 08 fishing trawler that they passed through the Uluwatu area and saw the subject signaling for help. He was promptly rescued and towed by the fishing vessel.'