A family is desperately trying to raise funds to extend a search mission for their dad who was swept out to sea while holidaying in Bali.

Graham Smith, 67, went missing while snorkelling off the idyllic Blue Lagoon bay in the Padangbai area of the Indonesian island.

The dad-of-six, who grew up and lived in Gravesend, had been celebrating retirement with his partner of 36 years, Dianne, when he ran into difficulties while exploring the waters last Wednesday. September 28

At around 5.20pm, Dianne raised the alarm after she lost sight of Graham in the fading light and he failed to return.

In her distress, she alerted the locals with someone swimming out into the clear waters but unfortunately he could not be found.

A search and rescue mission was launched shortly after in collaboration with the local police.

They have been searching land and sea every day since but after more than a week they have still been unable to locate the British citizen and grandfather-of-eleven.

Three of his sons and daughters in law have now made the 36 hour journey to assist and support Dianne.

But the official Balinese search for their father is due to come to an end tomorrow and the family from Gravesend are now desperately trying to extend the mission.

A JustGiving page has been set up with a view to fundraising a private search mission at a cost of nearly £20,000. Click here to view the fundraiser.

So far more than £15,000 has been pledged to help the family.

They hope to conduct an extra two day search and according quotes given, to hire a helicopter costs £1600 per hour.

Son Adam posted on the page, describing his dad as a selfless, family man with a "heart of gold" who puts "humour and care at the forefront of every day".

He said his dad is an active and adventurous man, who loves to travel and to explore.

And while he is not a very strong swimmer, he says the retiree knows his limits and doesn’t take unnecessary risks.

Graham is known to his grandchildren as “Grandad Gray”, and on return to Britain had been planning to teach three of his grandchildren woodwork skills.

The family desperately want to bring him home and a post on the fundraising page adds: "This stage of his life is only just beginning, with, promises still to uphold and a life to live.

"He is a resourceful man who has been an electrical engineer, a lumber jack and handy man who devotes his life to helping his family.

"This is our moment to try and help him come home."

The family also passed on their thanks to the Bali search and rescue teams who they said have worked tirelessly to try and find Graham.

"We would also like to thank the Royal Karma Hotel Group, where Graham and now his family are staying who have gone above and beyond to support us," they added.

"Naturally we are all extremely distressed and we need all the help and support we can get. Please help us find him.

"We absolutely cannot go home without him."