A snorkeling excursion turned tragic off the coast of Bali when a boat carrying 13 individuals, including 11 Australian tourists, capsized in rough seas, resulting in the death of a 39-year-old woman and injuries to two others.
Incident Details
The vessel, identified as the Sea Dragon, departed from a port in Bali en route to Nusa Penida, a popular island destination known for its snorkeling spots. While the group was observing underwater scenery, a large wave struck the boat, throwing Anna Maree, a 39-year-old Australian tourist from Canberra, overboard. A subsequent wave capsized the boat in the Kelingking waters. A nearby vessel rescued 12 survivors, including two local crew members and two injured tourists. Rescuers also recovered the body of Ms. Maree. The survivors received treatment at a local health clinic and are reported to be in stable condition.
Victim Identification
The deceased has been identified as Anna Maree, a resident of Canberra, Australia. She was among the 11 Australian tourists on the ill-fated snorkeling trip.
Injured Tourists
Among the injured are Brisbane residents Gabriel Hijniakoff, 29, and Cintamani Warrington, 32, who sustained severe burns to their upper thighs, reportedly from the boat’s engine during the capsizing. They were stranded on Nusa Penida for several hours before receiving medical attention at Griya Medical Clinic, with plans for transfer to Denpasar for further treatment. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with their medical expenses and recovery.
Official Response
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has expressed condolences and is providing consular assistance to the family of the deceased and the injured Australians. A DFAT spokesperson stated, “We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time.”
Maritime Safety Concerns
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding maritime safety in Indonesia, an archipelago comprising over 17,000 islands. The nation has a history of maritime accidents, often attributed to overcrowded vessels and lax enforcement of safety regulations. Boats are a common and relatively inexpensive mode of transportation, but safety measures are frequently inadequate.
This tragedy underscores the critical need for stringent safety protocols and enforcement to protect tourists and locals alike in Indonesia’s maritime tourism industry.
