Tragedy Strikes in Bali: Fast Boat Capsizes Leaving Three Dead and Many Injured

Three Dead and Dozens Injured in Fast Boat Capsizing Incident at Sanur Beach, Bali

Sanur, Bali – A tragedy unfolded on Tuesday afternoon, August 5, 2025, when a tourist fast boat capsized near the shores of Sanur Beach. The incident resulted in at least three fatalities and left dozens of passengers injured, some seriously, prompting a swift response from emergency and rescue teams.

Details of the Incident

According to the Denpasar Search and Rescue (SAR) Team, the vessel involved was the Dolphin II Fast Boat, which was arriving in Sanur from Nusa Penida. At approximately 3:00 pm, the boat reportedly crashed, capsized, and sank near an inlet at Sanur Beach. The boat was carrying around 80 people, including 75 passengers and five crew members. Among the passengers were tourists from various countries, including at least five Australians, with others hailing from both international and domestic locations, including China.

Fatalities and Missing Persons

Two passengers believed to be from China, identified by the initials SGH and HY, were confirmed dead at the scene. Following the incident, a local man, identified as KAJD, was reported missing. On Wednesday afternoon, rescue teams coordinated with local residents to locate his body, which was found on Padanggalak Beach near Matahari Terbit Beach in Sanur.

Rescue Efforts

Denpasar Search and Rescue deployed a total of eight personnel: five on-site and a marine unit with three members operating a Rigid Inflatable Boat to conduct water-based search and rescue activities. Head of the Denpasar Search and Assistance Office, I Nyoman Sidakarya, personally supervised the SAR operations to ensure a comprehensive response and accurate victim identification.

As of Tuesday night, efforts were underway to right the capsized Dolphin II vessel to confirm that no other passengers remained onboard. Sidakarya emphasized the collaborative efforts of the SAR teams and local community members in these rescue operations.

Injuries and Medical Treatment

Many survivors were reported to be traumatized and sustained various injuries. Local beachgoers and fishermen played a vital role in rescuing passengers, including children, who were seen jumping into the sea and clinging to floating debris during the chaos. Injured passengers were promptly taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Context of Recent Maritime Incidents in Indonesia

This tragic event follows a series of recent maritime accidents in Bali and other parts of Indonesia. On July 2, 2025, the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya ferry sank in the Bali Strait en route from East Java to Gilimanuk Harbour, resulting in at least a dozen deaths among 53 passengers. Investigations and recovery operations continue for that incident.

Only weeks later, on July 20, 2025, the KM Barcelona 5 passenger ferry caught fire off the coast of North Sulawesi while carrying 280 passengers. Authorities are still probing the cause of that fire.

In early June 2025, another fast boat capsized and sank at Tanjung Sanghyang Port in Nusa Lembongan. Although no injuries were reported, the incident caused significant distress among passengers and crew.

Safety Concerns and Travel Advisories

These multiple incidents have heightened concerns about maritime safety for tourists in Indonesia. In response, the Australian Government updated its travel guidance, warning travelers that boat operators in Bali and elsewhere may not always meet international safety and maintenance standards. The travel advisory cautions that boat and ferry travel can be dangerous and urges travelers to exercise caution.

Ongoing Investigations and Support

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the Sanur capsizing and are committed to improving safety standards to prevent future incidents. Meanwhile, recovery efforts proceed alongside medical support for survivors and their families affected by this tragic event.

Residents and tourists are advised to stay informed through official sources and follow safety instructions when engaging in maritime activities around Bali.

The Bali community and authorities remain united in their efforts to provide assistance and ensure the safety of all travelers visiting the island.