Terrifying Moments as Bali Tourist Boat Sinks with 89 Passengers Aboard

A serene afternoon voyage turned into a harrowing ordeal when a tourist ferry, The Tanis, sank off the coast of Bali on June 4, 2025. The vessel, carrying 89 passengers—including 77 foreign tourists—capsized shortly after departing from Lembongan Village on Nusa Lembongan island, en route to Sanur.

The incident occurred around 4:30 PM local time when The Tanis was struck by a large wave from behind, causing it to take on water rapidly. Passengers described scenes of chaos as the boat tilted sharply. Some individuals smashed windows to escape, while others were seen jumping into the sea or climbing to the vessel’s top deck.

Nicola Wood, a tourist aboard the ferry with her children, recounted the terrifying experience on social media: “People smashed windows to escape. Most people back on shore before life raft and life jackets were thrown out—locals and smaller boats rescued kids and those out first. We made it out, jumped into the water, and swam to a nearby glass-bottom boat that took us back to shore.”

Rescue efforts were swift, with nearby boats and local authorities responding promptly. All passengers were safely evacuated by 6:30 PM, and no fatalities or serious injuries were reported. Divers have since been deployed to inspect the sunken ferry as a precautionary measure.

The Tanis, a 125-seat vessel, had been in operation for only three months prior to the incident. This event has raised concerns about maritime safety in the region, especially given a similar incident three months earlier, where an Australian tourist tragically lost her life when a snorkeling boat capsized.

In light of these events, travel advisories have been updated. Smartraveller, the Australian government’s travel advice platform, now urges heightened caution for Australians traveling to Indonesia, citing risks such as dangerous ferry conditions, drowning hazards, and poor regulation.

While most passengers chose to remain on Nusa Lembongan following the ordeal, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of sea travel and the importance of stringent safety measures.