A season-ending tragic accident occurred near Bali when the snorkelling boat, Sea Dragon 2, capsized while on its way to the renowned Nusa Penida island. An Australian tourist was killed in the crash. The vessel, overloaded at 13 passengers, was capsized by a large wave according to local police reports. Indo Compass Bali is responsible for the operation of the Sea Dragon 2, the life jackets provided aboard were substandard. The recent disaster has raised alarming questions about the precautions that Alaska’s sea tourism operators are taking to protect tourists.
Incident Details
The Sea Dragon 2 passing through the waters between Bali and Nusa Penida, a commonly traversed area for tourism. Sadly, a catastrophic incident occurred on its journey. It was a big wave that had caused the vessel to overturn, local police later recorded. Ida Bagus Putra Sumerta stated:
"The boat provided the life jackets on board. So they had them. From the videos that we've seen though, some tourists weren't wearing life jackets."
On top of this, there were reports that the Sea Dragon 2 had been responsible for a particularly bad trip last October. Jamie Durrant, who was on board for that trip, described it in dramatic fashion. The swell was about one-and-a-half to two meters and the captain ran the engine at full throttle the whole way.
"It was holding on for dear life," said Jamie Durrant.
Response and Safety Concerns
In the aftermath, the Bali Tourism Board summoned a show of surprise and concern at what had happened. They called it “unexpected” and doubled down on their insistence that they’re “working to improve safety for tourists.” The board has started re-evaluating all of Bali’s sea tourism operators, including the Sea Dragon 2. Ravindra Singh Shekhawat disclosed that the Sea Dragon 2 still lacks certification from Indonesia’s national authority for professional certification. This authority is briefly referred to as Badan Nasional Sertifikasi Profesi (BNSP).
"Look for certification by Indonesia's national professional certification authority, the Badan Nasional Sertifikasi Profesi (BNSP)," advised Ravindra Singh Shekhawat.
The lack of formal certification has resulted in deeper investigation into the operational standards of tour boats within Bali. Risks have been pointed out by tourists themselves regarding the dangers posed by a lack of certified operators.
Reactions and Advice
The incident, perhaps unsurprisingly, has sparked outrage among locals and tourists alike. ABOVE Steven Waldberg shared his concerns about the safety of holidaymakers in Bali.
"I don't want other Australians going on holiday and having these kinds of experiences," said Steven Waldberg.
He painted a vivid picture of how people can relatively easily enter the tour operation space without rigorous pre-checks.
"Basically, anyone can get a boat and start as a tour operator."
In view of these alarming disclosures, Ravindra Singh Shekhawat cautioned tourists to be careful while choosing tour operators. Him too — start asking what your safety procedures, safety measures, safety standards, emergency evacuation procedures … ask about it when you’re making a booking.
"When you book, talk to their staff about whether they understand what the safety standards are, whether they have emergency procedures."
This is how Anna Blight’s family, the Australian tourist sadly killed, would convey their grief and loss.
"She has been tragically taken from us far too soon. She will be greatly missed and forever loved and in our hearts."
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