DENPASAR, Indonesia — A snorkel boat, carrying 13 people including 11 Australians, met with tragedy off Bali’s coast on Friday after it overturned in challenging sea conditions, resulting in the death of a woman and injuries to two others, officials reported.
The vessel, named the Sea Dragon, had embarked on its journey from a port in Bali, heading towards Nusa Penida, a favored small island nearby, when it encountered towering waves, according to Agus Widiono, a police spokesperson.
While the group enjoyed the underwater landscapes, a powerful wave struck, sweeping a 39-year-old woman, named by authorities as Anna Maree, into the water. A subsequent wave toppled the boat in the Kelingking area, Widiono explained.
Fortunately, a nearby vessel quickly responded, rescuing 12 individuals, including two local crew members and two injured visitors, from the turbulent water. The search and rescue team also recovered Maree’s body, the spokesperson added.
The survivors were promptly taken to a nearby clinic where they received medical care and were reported to be in stable condition.
Maritime incidents have been a concerning issue in Indonesia, claiming numerous lives in recent years. Often, boats are overloaded, and enforcement of safety standards remains lax. The expansive archipelago is comprised of over 17,000 islands and is home to 280 million people, where boats provide a widely-used and affordable means of travel.
