A tragic incident occurred off the coast of Bali on Friday when a snorkeling boat, the Sea Dragon, capsized with 13 people on board, including 11 Australian tourists. According to local police spokesperson Agus Widiono, the vessel was en route from Bali to Nusa Penida, a well-known island destination, when it was struck by high waves, leading to the capsizing.
The distressing situation unfolded as the group was enjoying the underwater views. A significant wave hit the boat, causing a 39-year-old woman, identified by authorities as Anna Maree, to be thrown overboard. The subsequent forces of the sea then toppled the vessel entirely in the challenging waters of Kelingking.
Nearby vessels quickly responded to the emergency, managing to rescue 12 survivors, which included two local crew members and two injured tourists. Sadly, rescue teams also located the body of Maree. The surviving individuals were treated at a local health clinic and are reported to be in stable condition.
Maritime accidents, particularly in Indonesia, have been a cause for concern in recent years, with many incidents resulting in loss of life. Contributing factors often include overcrowding of boats and lax enforcement of safety regulations. Given Indonesia’s vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands and a population of 280 million, boating is a common and affordable means of transport.
This incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need for improved safety measures within the maritime industry in Indonesia, especially for the many tourists who flock to its iconic islands.