American Tourist Recalls Harrowing Escape from Capsized Ferry in Bali

Bali, Indonesia – An American tourist, Lauren Dague, courageously recounted her terrifying experience aboard a ferry that capsized off the coast of Bali on June 4, 2025, while celebrating her 24th birthday. The incident, which occurred around 4:30 p.m. local time, involved a wave striking the ferry’s rear, leading to its eventual sinking due to loss of balance.

The Incident

The ferry, identified as The Tanis, was carrying 89 tourists and crew members when it departed from the island of Nusa Lembongan. Local police, as reported by NBC News, indicated that a sudden wave hit the vessel, causing it to tilt dangerously. Eyewitness accounts from passengers detailed a swift and chaotic situation, with visuals showing water flooding the cabin and passengers scrambling to safety.

“It felt like five minutes that it took for the entire boat to sink,” said Dague in an interview with Good Morning America. In a remarkable act of bravery, she smashed a window with her foot to escape, an action she noted without hesitation was critical in saving not just herself but others as well. “I know for a fact I saved at least three to five, six other people with my decision,” she added.

Desperate Measures

As the crowded ferry began to fill with water, panic ensued among the passengers. Dague described the scene as chaotic, with “everyone was panicking.” Witnesses saw people throwing themselves overboard in a desperate attempt to reach safety, while others were caught in a struggle to stay afloat amid the rising water.

Dague recalled the urgency of the situation: “There were babies, small children, old people,” reinforcing the diverse group of passengers onboard, all facing the same life-threatening scenario.

Rescue Operations

With the help of local fishermen and nearby boats, passengers were rescued and brought back to shore. Klungklung Police spokesperson AKP Agus Widiono confirmed that the ferry had been completely evacuated by 6:30 p.m. local time, with no casualties reported. Widiono stated, “We have dispatched divers to ensure no one was trapped on the boat or on the seabed.”

Among the passengers were numerous foreign tourists, with reports indicating that 77 out of the 89 passengers aboard were foreigners, including families traveling together. Nicola Wood, an Australian tourist, described her experience: “We made it out, jumped into the water and swam to a nearby glass-bottom boat that took us back to shore.”

Survivors’ Reflections

Lauren Dague, who survived the incident with bruises and stitches, reflected on the ordeal, expressing gratitude for being alive. “I really did think that I was gonna die for a second,” she admitted, visibly shaken yet thankful that most aboard the ferry were ultimately safe.

Another survivor, Megan Hughes from Australia, who had headphones on during the incident, shared her own harrowing experience. “I didn’t quite realize what was going on… until I heard the screams,” she mentioned, highlighting the confusion and panic that unfolded in those critical moments.

As investigations continue and authorities review safety protocols for tourist vessels, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the unexpected dangers that can arise, even during seemingly routine journeys.

A Call for Safety

With travel to Bali being a popular destination for tourists, local authorities have reassured the public that measures will be taken to ensure the safety and security of passengers in the future. The traumatic experiences of those on The Tanis reflect the urgent need for stringent safety regulations in the tourism industry, particularly for water travel.

As stories of survival emerge, the heroic actions of individuals like Lauren Dague showcase the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.