An Australian woman has died after a boat capsized off Bali, injuring another person and leaving several tourists in danger
An Australian woman has tragically died following a boat capsizing in rough waters off Bali, Indonesia, on Friday morning. The boat, known as Sea Dragon 2, was en route to Nusa Penida, a popular island near Bali, when it was hit by large waves, according to local authorities.
The incident occurred as the vessel, which was carrying 16 people, including 11 Australian tourists, was struck by unexpectedly violent weather conditions. The boat capsized in the treacherous waters, throwing passengers into danger.
Ida Bagus Putra Sumerta, the police chief of Bali, confirmed the incident and reported that a nearby boat rushed to the scene to rescue the passengers. Emergency responders quickly evacuated the survivors, and at least two people were taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
One of the Australian tourists was pronounced dead shortly after being rescued. Another passenger sustained a burn injury and was treated for the wound.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade expressed condolences and confirmed that it was providing consular services to the affected families.
“At least two Australians were injured, and we are offering consular support to the family of the deceased,” said a spokesperson for the department.
The deadly boat accident has raised fresh concerns about maritime safety standards in Indonesia, a country of more than 17,000 islands where marine accidents are not uncommon.
In 2018, a ferry sank in one of the world’s deepest lakes on Sumatra island, leading to over 150 fatalities. Critics have pointed to lax safety measures as a contributing factor to the frequent maritime tragedies in the region.
The latest incident comes as Bali continues to attract a steady stream of international tourists, despite ongoing challenges related to transport safety in Indonesia’s busy waters.
As authorities investigate the capsizing, there are calls for improved safety regulations to prevent further tragedies in the region.
Indonesia remains a popular destination for tourists, but with its reputation for frequent maritime accidents, the latest tragedy highlights the ongoing need for better safety standards and stricter enforcement to safeguard visitors and locals alike.