Right so after getting one bug fixed with 1.07, another arises to take it's place.

Before I can get back to the beach to save Nidas, his health goes from 100% to 0% in what must be one hit, even when I get to the beach after his death I do 0 damage to the Drowners. Baaaaaaaaa.

Any quick fixes? or am I awaiting the next patch....?

I heard about this bug and actually tried (and completed) the quest last night. It took me three tries, but following the advice of another poster here on another similar thread, I had Aard at the ready and unleashed it as soon as I was able. It knocked down the drowners and I made a mad rush at them to keep hem away from Nidas. It's much more difficult than pre-1.07, but it's doable. This should still be fixed, though.

I heard that you can find the black pearl before even talking to Nidas in Skellige, and that way the drowners will never spawn and he won't die.

Yes but unfortunately, I don't remember exact *which* treasure/scavenger hunt it is - you find a letter that talks about the pearl ground and black pearls (from either a dead pirate or bandit). I got this after I already did the Black Pearl quest, so didn't pay much attention to it. Sorry. But yes, you heard right.