Two Chinese Tourists Die in Bali Boat Accident as Vessel Capsizes After Large Wave Strike
Tragedy struck off the coast of Bali, Indonesia, when a tourist boat capsized Tuesday after being hit by a large wave, resulting in the deaths of two Chinese nationals and leaving at least one Indonesian passenger missing.
The incident occurred aboard the Bali Dolphin Cruise, which was sailing from Nusa Penida island to Sanur on Bali’s eastern coast when it was struck by the powerful wave. According to authorities, the impact caused the boat to sink and run aground. The local search and rescue agency reported that while several boats were safely navigating the waters at the time, this particular vessel apparently failed to anticipate the large incoming wave.
Aprianus Hangki, head of the Benoa Class II Port Authority, told reporters, “Several boats were entering safely around that time, but this one appears to have failed to anticipate a large incoming wave.”
The boat was reportedly carrying 80 people in total: 73 foreign tourists, two Indonesian passengers, and five crew members. Of these, two Chinese tourists were confirmed dead. Additionally, a 23-year-old Indonesian citizen remains missing as search efforts continue.
The Indonesian navy has joined local authorities in a search and rescue operation to locate the missing individual and assist survivors. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi expressed the government’s condolences and pledged a prompt response, including a full evaluation of the incident:
“On behalf of the government, we express our deepest condolences. We will respond to this incident promptly and conduct a full evaluation.”
Maritime accidents involving tourist and passenger vessels are unfortunately not uncommon in Indonesia, an archipelago nation comprising more than 17,000 islands. Factors contributing to frequent boat accidents include sudden severe weather conditions as well as challenges with safety standards and occasional vessel overloading.
In related incidents, just last month another ferry near Bali sank, resulting in 18 fatalities and 17 missing persons after a prolonged search involving hundreds of personnel was called off. In July, another boat capsized near the Mentawai Islands in West Sumatra province amid bad weather, with 10 people reported missing and eight rescued.
These tragedies highlight ongoing concerns about maritime safety in Indonesia’s busy waterways. Authorities continue to investigate the Bali Dolphin Cruise incident as rescue teams work tirelessly to find the missing and provide aid to those affected by the accident.
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