Tragic Boat Capsizing in Bali Claims Australian Tourist’s Life
Bali, Indonesia – In a heartbreaking incident off the coast of Bali, a snorkelling boat carrying 15 people, including several Australian tourists, capsized in rough seas early Friday morning, leading to the tragic death of a Canberra woman and injuring two others, local authorities confirmed.
The boat, identified as the Sea Dragon 2, was making its way from Sanur, a popular holiday destination in Bali, to Nusa Penida, a well-known tourist spot renowned for its beautiful waters and underwater life. At approximately 8:30 AM local time, the vessel was struck by a large wave in Kelingking waters, tossing a 39-year-old woman, later identified by police as Anna Maree, overboard. A subsequent surge of water capsized the boat, plunging all on board into the tumultuous sea.
A nearby vessel responded swiftly to the emergency, rescuing survivors amidst the choppy waters. Unfortunately, despite the rapid response, Anna Maree was found unresponsive and was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
The local police have reported injuries sustained by two other Australians: Gabriel Hijniakoff, 28, from Brisbane, and Cintamani Warrington, 32, an Australian national residing in Bali. Cintamani has been reported to have suffered severe burns, suspected to be caused by the boat’s engine, while Gabriel sustained less serious burn injuries. Both were expected to be airlifted to a larger medical facility in the provincial capital of Denpasar for further treatment.
Upon further investigation, the police revealed that the boat’s captain attempted to navigate the rough waters by reducing speed to avoid the initial wave; however, the motor was rendered inoperable after being struck by a log in the water. Nusa Penida police chief, Ida Bagus Putra Sumerta, noted that weather conditions were unfavorable at the time, with rain and high winds contributing to the dangerous environment.
“The accident happened when the boat was hit by a log – it caused the engine to stop. When the next wave hit, the captain couldn’t control the boat, and that’s when it capsized,” Sumerta explained, adding that investigations are ongoing to ascertain the complete circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
In light of this devastating event, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade expressed their condolences, confirming that they are providing consular assistance to the family of the deceased and the injured tourists. “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a spokesperson stated.
Maritime accidents in Indonesia have become a significant concern in recent years, with numerous incidents leading to fatalities. The archipelago, comprising over 17,000 islands and a population of around 280 million, experiences frequent maritime incidents largely attributed to overcrowded vessels and poorly enforced safety regulations.
As more details continue to emerge regarding this incident, travelers and locals alike remain concerned about safety standards within Indonesia’s popular maritime transport industry.
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