Two Chinese Tourists Killed in Bali Boat Accident After Vessel Capsizes Amid Large Wave
Tragedy struck off the coast of Bali, Indonesia, on Tuesday when a tourist boat capsized after being hit by a large wave, resulting in the deaths of two Chinese nationals and leaving a 23-year-old Indonesian citizen missing. The incident occurred as the Bali Dolphin Cruise was sailing from Nusa Penida to Sanur, located on Bali’s eastern shore.
According to authorities, the vessel was struck unexpectedly by a substantial wave, which caused it to sink and eventually run aground. Aprianus Hangki, head of the Benoa Class II Port Authority, noted that while several boats were navigating the area safely at the time, the Bali Dolphin Cruise failed to anticipate the large incoming wave that led to the accident.
The boat was carrying a total of 80 people — including 73 foreign passengers, two Indonesian passengers, and five crew members. Following the incident, Indonesian search and rescue teams, assisted by the navy, launched an immediate operation to recover those involved and locate the missing individual.
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi expressed the government’s sympathies: “On behalf of the government, we express our deepest condolences. We will respond to this incident promptly and conduct a full evaluation.”
Boat travel is a common mode of transportation across Indonesia’s extensive archipelago, which comprises more than 17,000 islands. However, poor weather conditions and frequent safety standard violations—including vessel overloading—have contributed to repeated accidents in the region.
This recent tragedy follows other similar incidents in the area. In July, at least 10 people were reported missing after a boat capsized off the Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra, amid bad weather; eight of the passengers were later rescued. Additionally, last month a ferry sank near Bali, resulting in 18 fatalities and 17 missing persons after carrying 65 passengers. Despite a two-week search involving hundreds of rescuers, police, and military personnel, the search for those missing was officially called off.
These recurring maritime accidents highlight ongoing concerns about boating safety and regulatory enforcement in Indonesia’s heavily trafficked waters, especially in popular tourist destinations such as Bali. Authorities have pledged to investigate the recent capsizing thoroughly and take measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Add a comment