Safety Concerns Rise in Bali’s Fast Boat Industry Following Recent Fire Incident

Incident Summary

Bali’s fast boat industry is facing heightened scrutiny after a fire broke out on a vessel at Segitiga Emas Sampalan Port in Nusa Penida on Sunday, February 9. The boat was carrying 85 passengers all ready to depart when flames erupted from one of the engines, occurring just after all travelers had boarded. Thankfully, there were no injuries or fatalities reported, but the incident has left many tourists uneasy and prompted industry stakeholders to reflect on safety protocols.

Details of the Incident

At approximately 4 PM, shortly after the boat’s engine was activated, a loud bang startled the crew. AKP Agus Widiono, Head of Public Relations for the Klungkung Police, confirmed that the fire appeared to be the result of electrical short-circuiting. ‘Smoke and flames emerged from one of the engines,’ he explained.

In a swift response, the crew and port officers utilized fire extinguishers readily available on the boat and at the port to combat the flames. According to Widiono, the fire was extinguished in about two minutes, and the quick action prevented what could have been a far more dangerous situation.

‘It is estimated to be due to a short circuit in the electricity,” Widiono stated. Despite the blaze, the officials confirmed that the fire did not cause severe damage to the boat, as the remaining four engines were functioning properly. The Harbor Master and the crew assessed the situation and deemed the vessel safe to continue its journey to Sanur.

Rising Concerns Over Safety

The recent fire has renewed discussions regarding the safety practices among Bali’s fast boat service providers. Amid extreme weather conditions due to Tropical Cyclone Seedling 96S affecting the region, many travelers are thankful that some fast boat services were canceled in the interest of safety.

Tourists planning to travel between Bali, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, Lombok, and the Gili Islands this week are advised to check with their respective fast boat providers for the latest updates, as several crossings have already been canceled or postponed until conditions improve. Fishermen and boat crews have been warned about strong winds reaching up to 25 knots and waves as high as 3.5 meters.

Historical Context

Though incidents involving fast boats are rare, they are not unprecedented in Bali. In May 2022, a tourist boat used for parasailing caught fire in Tanjung Benoa; while no injuries were reported, the owner faced substantial financial losses due to the damage. More recently, in January 2024, another fast boat sank while crossing between Nusa Penida and Sanur due to engine failure, although again, injuries were avoided.

The tragic Kebo Iwa Express disaster is one that remains fresh in many minds; though there were no fatalities, the incident left passengers traumatized and resulted in significant losses of personal belongings and essential travel documents.

Conclusion

As concerns about safety in Bali’s maritime tourism sector come to light, it is essential for both operators and travelers to prioritize vigilance. The swift response by the crew during Sunday’s incident demonstrates the potential for preventing disaster, but ongoing scrutiny of safety protocols is likely to shape future discussions. Travelers are encouraged to remain informed and prioritize their safety in light of the recent events and current weather conditions.