Wave Capsizes Boat in Bali, Tourists Panic to Escape (Video)

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Jun 5, 2025 1:38 PM ET

Passengers on a ferry boat heading from Bali to the nearby isle of Nusa Lembongan, yesterday, experienced a horror scenario as the boat was struck by strong surf, and began to sink. Panic spread through the ferry, carrying around 100 people, as they broke windows, fighting for their lives.

Luckily, there have been no reports of casualties or serious injuries.

Scenes from the sinking boat, however, showed chaos and cries for help – no doubt turning a dream vacation for the passengers, many of whom were tourists, into a momentary nightmare. A handful of Australians were amongst the travelers on the sinking ship, and local news heard their tales.

“The one point of exit was literally a small little hatch,” said Andy Wood, a man from Perth aboard the boat with his wife and two kids. “So, I think the people, particularly in the back where the water was coming in, were in a real panic state.”

One woman busted open a window to escape. Bobbing bodies were floating as the boat slowly sank. Some people clinging on the bow, reaching out for help as another boat swooped in to rescue.

“It was just people who weren’t used to being familiar in water,” Wood continued. “And I think the majority of them couldn’t swim, so it was causing a fair bit of anxiety and panic amongst people.”

Reportedly, the boat was overcapacity – that’s being investigated as a possible cause of the catastrophe.

Meanwhile, another recent near-tragedy on a separate Balinese island, also involving a tourist and the wrath of the ocean. A travel influencer was at Angel’s Billabong, a popular sightseer spot on Nusa Penida, when a rogue wave almost swept her to a watery grave. Sadly, others have died at the spot.

Bali bagus? Bali bedlam.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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