Chinese Tourists Killed in Bali Boat Accident After Vessel Struck by Large Wave
Two Chinese nationals tragically lost their lives when a tourist boat capsized off the coast of Bali, Indonesia, on Tuesday. The Bali Dolphin Cruise, sailing from Nusa Penida to Sanur in eastern Bali, was hit by a large wave that caused the vessel to sink and run aground, authorities confirmed.
According to the Bali search and rescue agency, the accident occurred as several boats were entering the port safely. However, this particular boat apparently failed to anticipate a 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 carrying 73 foreign passengers, including the Chinese tourists, as well as two Indonesian passengers and five crew members. While two Chinese nationals were confirmed dead, a 23-year-old Indonesian citizen remains missing following the incident. Indonesian navy personnel have teamed up with local authorities to conduct ongoing search and rescue efforts.
Indonesia’s transport minister, Dudy Purwagandhi, expressed condolences on behalf of the government and pledged a prompt response along with a full evaluation of the accident. “On behalf of the government, we express our deepest condolences,” he said.
Boat travel is a common mode of transportation across Indonesia’s vast archipelago of more than 17,000 islands. Unfortunately, accidents are not uncommon, often caused by adverse weather conditions and safety lapses such as vessel overloading.
This recent incident follows other maritime accidents in the region, including a July tragedy where at least 10 people went missing after a boat capsized during bad weather off the Mentawai Islands in West Sumatra province. Additionally, in the previous month, another ferry sank near Bali, resulting in 18 deaths and 17 missing persons. Extensive search efforts lasted two weeks before being called off.
Authorities continue to investigate the latest accident while emphasizing the importance of maritime safety for travelers and crew alike in Indonesia’s popular tourist destinations.
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