An Australian woman tragically drowned after a snorkeling boat carrying at least 11 Australian tourists capsized off the coast of Bali, injuring two others during the excursion.
The boat, named Sea Dragon, was en route from a port in Bali to the popular snorkeling destination of Nusa Penida when the incident occurred on March 21, 2025. According to local police spokesperson Agus Widiono, the group was admiring underwater scenery when a large wave hit the vessel, tossing a 39-year-old woman, identified as Anna Maree from Canberra, overboard.
Following the first wave, a second wave overwhelmed the boat, leading to its capsizing in the choppy waters of Kelingking. Rescue efforts commenced swiftly, with a nearby vessel responding to the scene and managing to save 12 survivors, including two local crew members and two injured tourists, who were identified as Gabriel Hijniakoff, aged 29 from Brisbane, and Cintamani Warrington, 32, an Australian national residing in Bali.
Warrington suffered severe burns to her upper thighs, presumably from the boat engine, while Hijniakoff faced comparatively less serious injuries. The rescued passengers were first treated at a nearby health clinic and were reported to be in stable condition. Local authorities confirmed that Maree’s body was recovered from the water and declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a statement expressing their condolences: "We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time. The department is also providing consular assistance to two Australians who were injured in the same incident," the spokesperson noted.
As investigations commenced, local police conveyed that the boat had attempted to avoid the impending waves and reduce speed. However, they described an unfortunate event where a log knocked out the motor, leaving the captain unable to regain control of the boat.
Weather conditions at the time reportedly included high winds and rain, contributing to the hazardous situation faced by the snorkeling group. Maritime accidents are a persistent concern in Indonesia, where overcrowding and inadequate enforcement of safety regulations have resulted in numerous fatalities over the years. The archipelago, which encompasses more than 17,000 islands and has a population of around 280 million, often relies on boats as a common and relatively inexpensive means of transportation.
This latest tragedy underscores the dire need for enhanced safety measures and regulations surrounding maritime travel in the area. Passenger boats, all too frequently crowded, pose significant risks when faced with challenging weather conditions.
With this incident, the local community and tourists alike are reminded of the importance of prioritizing safety during maritime excursions. It is imperative for both operators and guests to remain vigilant in ensuring that proper safety protocols are followed to prevent future disasters.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to monitor the situation closely and provides assistance to Maree's family as well as the injured, as they seek further medical treatment.
This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the essential need for safeguarding those who seek adventure on the open waters.
As investigations proceed into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing, many hope that lessons will be learned about maritime safety to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
