Recently, the capsizing of a snorkeling boat near Bali, resulting in the tragic death of an Australian tourist, has once again raised concerns about the safety of tourists traveling by boat. Local police stated that Anna Bright was one of the 13 passengers on the "Hai Long 2," which capsized last Friday en route from Bali to the popular Nusa Penida Island after encountering large waves. This incident underscores the need for enhanced safety measures and passenger awareness.
Read Also...:
Top US officials shift blame for Signal chat leak to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth
03-26, 2025
Trump says national security advisor doesn't need to apologise after journalist was added into group text discussing war plans
03-26, 2025
FBI launches task force targeting anti-Tesla 'domestic terrorism'
03-26, 2025
Papua New Guinea shuts down Facebook in test to stop 'pornography, misinformation, hate speech'
03-26, 2025Ida Bagus Putra Sumerta, the police chief of Nusa Penida, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that authorities have questioned the crew, captain, and owner of the boat and are tracking down passengers for questioning. He stated that there were life jackets on board, but videos showed that some tourists were not wearing them. Police are also investigating the cause of the accident. Sumerta said that the waves were very rough at the time, and the boat hit some kind of wood while traveling on the crest of a wave, potentially contributing to the capsizing.
Sumerta stated that police will continue to investigate whether there was any negligence involved. Ms. Bright's family released a statement mourning the "much-loved daughter, sister, aunt, niece, and friend to many," saying she was "taken from us too soon and will be forever missed, forever loved, and forever remembered." Their grief highlights the devastating impact of such accidents on families and communities.
The Australian government's Smartraveller website specifically provides advice for tourists traveling to Indonesia regarding adventure activities. The website advises tourists to check all safety equipment and ensure they have purchased insurance for the activities they plan to undertake. In addition, the website warns that weather conditions can change rapidly and need to be constantly monitored. Ravindra Singh Shekhawat, General Manager of Intrepid Travel Indonesia, stated that capsizing accidents are not uncommon in the region. He emphasized that it is crucial for tourists to understand the safety standards of tour companies.
Shekhawat advises tourists to look for certification from the Indonesian National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP). He suggests that tourists choose operators with liability insurance and check whether the boat and driver are licensed and whether they hold snorkeling or diving certificates. Steven Waldberg of the travel company Bali Villa Escapes stated that purchasing travel insurance is essential. He warned that some sectors of Bali's tourist boat industry lack regulation, and basically anyone can own a boat and start operating as a tour operator. He added that some small villages can pool resources to buy boats to carry passengers, potentially compromising safety standards.
Jamie Durant, a Gold Coast resident who took a snorkeling trip on the same boat, "Hai Long 2," last October, said he was not surprised by the accident. Durant and his family experienced what they described as one of the worst boat trips ever. He told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the waves were about one and a half to two meters high, and the captain was traveling at full speed the whole time. The hull would slam violently every time it hit the bottom of a wave. He said the situation was so bad that he strained the muscles in his neck, his son injured his arm, and his wife suffered severe seasickness. Durant said he felt uneasy when his family was asked to sign a waiver just minutes before boarding, preventing them from holding the operator liable for any injuries.
Indo Compass Bali, the company that operates the "Hai Long 2" boat, did not respond to requests for comment. Durant urged others to investigate tour operators before booking. He said, "I don't want other Australians to have that experience on their holiday." The Bali Tourism Board, the highest industry body representing Bali's tourism industry, called the incident "unexpected" and said it hoped it would not undermine their efforts to improve tourist safety. Last year, the board proposed adding a certification to recognize the country's top tour operators and is currently re-evaluating all maritime tourism operators in Bali.
The Bali Tourism Board stated: "The results of this verification will be completed in May, which will then be used by the Indonesian Association of Tour and Travel Agencies (ASITA) and Online Travel Agents (OTA) as a reference for selecting and providing appropriate and standardized tourism products." Some outcomes of this process will include retraining for tour operators, regular audits, and the need to transparently demonstrate certification to potential tourists. The Bali Tourism Board warned: "Expensive prices do not always guarantee safety, but reputable travel agencies should be able to produce official license documents and clear operating standards."
