A fast boat carrying 75 passengers capsized near the entrance of Pelabuhan Matahari Terbit Sanur on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, at approximately 15.15 WITA. The vessel, Bali Dolphin Cruise 2, departed from Nusa Penida at around 14.30 WITA and was en route to Sanur when it encountered rough conditions.
“We are also concerned and condolences for the sinking of the Bali Dolphin Cruise 2 Fastboat at the entrance to Sanur Port, Bali,” said Director General of Sea Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation Muhammad Masyhud in a written statement, Wednesday (6/8/2025).
According to the Head of the Class II Benoa Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP), initial reports indicated calm sea conditions and light wind during the early part of the voyage. However, approximately 45 minutes into the journey, a sudden large wave struck the rear of the vessel, causing it to capsize and run aground near the shoreline.
“When the ship is about to enter the entrance to Sanur Port at 15.10 WITA and has passed the red and green beacon buoy, the skipper with a left swing will enter the pier. Suddenly the waves hit the left hull of the ship which caused the ship to capsize,” he explained.
Rescue Operations Underway
The immediate response involved stabilization and securing of the vessel’s location. The Sanur Port Authority temporarily closed Pelabuhan Sanur to facilitate ongoing evacuation and search-and-rescue (SAR) operations.
Evacuation efforts were carried out by the ship’s crew, supported by the patrol boat KNP. 515, SAR Denpasar’s Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), and several small vessels operating near the area. A life raft was deployed to aid in the transfer of passengers to land.
Authorities confirmed that the boat was carrying a total of 80 individuals, including 75 passengers and 5 crew members.
Fatalities and Ongoing Search
As of the latest update, two foreign nationals were confirmed dead. The victims, identified as Shio Guo Hong (20) and Hanqing (37), were both citizens of China. In addition, one Indonesian crew member, Kadek Adi Jaya Dinata (23), remains missing. A joint SAR team continues efforts to locate the missing crew member.
All surviving passengers were successfully evacuated and received medical attention at RS Bali Mandara and the Bali Medical Center Clinic (BMCC).
Government Response and Support
The Directorate General of Sea Transportation under the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) responded to the incident and is coordinating with relevant authorities. The joint SAR team includes personnel from KSOP Benoa, UPP Nusa Penida, Basarnas Denpasar, the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), Bali Police’s Water and Air Police Directorate (Dit Polairud), and the Denpasar Regional Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
“KSOP Benoa has established an Emergency Post and VTS Benoa has issued a Navigational Warning to all ships around the scene of the incident,” he said.
As of Wednesday, efforts to stabilize the vessel continue. Teams are attempting to right the overturned boat, which remains beached and vulnerable to ongoing wave activity.
Compensation and Medical Coverage
At the incident site, Head of PT Jasa Raharja Bali Region, Benyamin Bob Panjaitan, stated that the agency would cover all medical expenses for the injured passengers. Additionally, compensation of Rp 50 million each has been allocated for the families of the two deceased foreign nationals.
“For compensation for the injured, we provide reimbursement for the maximum treatment cost of Rp 20 million. For those who are compensated for the deceased, Rp 50 million,” he said.
Current Status
Rescue operations remain ongoing as authorities continue to monitor the situation and search for the missing crew member. Pelabuhan Sanur remains temporarily closed to support these efforts.
