Tourist Boat Sinks Off Bali Coast, 117 Rescued
Padang Bai, Bali, Indonesia – A tourist boat carrying 117 passengers and crew experienced a hull fracture and began sinking off the coast of Bali on Monday, prompting a large-scale rescue operation. All individuals aboard were safely evacuated to Padang Bai People’s Harbour, with no reported injuries.
The vessel, named ‘Putri Island’, was traveling from the nearby island of Gili Trawangan when it began taking on water near Amed, on the east coast of Bali. Dramatic video footage circulating online shows passengers donning life jackets and wading through ankle-deep, then leg-deep, water as the boat listed.
According to Karangasem water police representative Gede Murdana, the incident was caused by a fracture in the hull near the steering area. Authorities believe large waves impacted the front of the boat, leading to the breach and a subsequent short circuit in the navigation system.
“The damage is believed to have happened when the vessel reached the waters of Amed,” Murdana stated.
A sister vessel operated by the same company was nearby and immediately responded to assist in the rescue.
Of those rescued, 108 were identified as foreign nationals. The incident underscores the risks associated with maritime travel in the region, particularly during periods of rough seas.
The boat’s operator has launched an investigation into the technical issues that contributed to the incident. Local officials are urging all boat operators to prioritize passenger safety and remain vigilant during inclement weather. This incident follows recent reports of other incidents involving tourists in Bali, including arrests for drug smuggling and the release of a convicted murderer, highlighting the ongoing need for safety and security measures in the popular tourist destination.
