The speedboat Fast Boat Dolphin II, traveling from Nusa Penida to Bali, sank and capsized at the entrance to the Sanur harbor. According to preliminary reports, a strong wave hit the vessel near Matahari Terbit beach.
At the time of the incident, fishing boats and other vessels nearby started assisting even before rescuers arrived. Most passengers were successfully evacuated.
The incident occurred around 3:00 pm. Seventeen people were taken to Bali Mandara Hospital. According to the hospital director, two victims died. 'Preliminary information suggests they were foreign nationals, but we are still verifying the details. Our staff is contacting consulates to confirm identities, as many documents, including passports, were lost in the water. The American consulate has already reported the loss of several documents,' he explained.
Of the 17 patients, some are still undergoing examinations, while others have been discharged and returned to their hotels. The injured include both foreigners and Indonesian citizens. The boat had 80 passengers on board, mostly Chinese tourists.
The evacuation of the boat is ongoing. Dozens of locals are helping rescuers pull the vessel with ropes, but ocean turbulence and the significant weight of the boat are hindering efforts. Rescuers fear there might still be people under the capsized vessel. One of the crew members is still missing.
Currently, 72 speedboats operate at Sanur harbor, servicing routes to Nusa Penida.
Maritime safety in Bali continues to raise concerns. Recurrent incidents with boats and ferries have, of course, drawn attention. Authorities have called for more thorough inspections of companies and vessels. Passengers are advised to choose reputable companies and favorable weather for their journeys. It's also a good idea to find and remember where life jackets and emergency exits are located when traveling by boat.
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