On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, a tourist ferry named The Tanis capsized off the coast of Nusa Lembongan, Bali, after being struck by a large wave. The vessel was en route to Sanur with 89 passengers and crew members on board. Despite the sudden incident, all individuals were safely evacuated, and no serious injuries were reported.
The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. local time when a wave hit the back of the boat, causing it to tilt and take on water rapidly. Passengers described a chaotic scene as the ferry began to sink within minutes. Many were forced to break windows to escape, with some jumping into the sea to reach nearby rescue boats.
Among the passengers was 24-year-old American tourist Lauren Dague, who was visiting Bali for her birthday. She recounted breaking a window with her foot to escape and assisting others in doing the same. “I just smashed the window with my foot. I didn’t even think twice about it,” Dague said, adding that she helped save several people with her quick actions.
Local boats responded swiftly, rescuing passengers from the water and transporting them back to shore. By 6:30 p.m., all individuals had been accounted for. Authorities dispatched divers to ensure no one remained trapped in the vessel or on the seabed.
The majority of Tanis, the ferry’s passengers, were foreign tourists, with 77 foreigners and 12 Indonesians on board. While some continued their journey to Sanur, most chose to stay in Nusa Lembongan following the ordeal.
The Tanis had been in operation for only three months before the incident. This event has raised concerns about maritime safety in the region, especially considering a similar fatal capsizing occurred three months prior. The Australian government has since issued a warning for travelers to exercise increased caution regarding sea travel and coastal activities in Indonesia.
Despite the harrowing experience, passengers expressed gratitude for the swift rescue efforts and the absence of serious injuries. Dague, though bruised and requiring stitches, emphasized her relief, stating, “I’m really glad, and pretty sure, that everybody’s okay.”
