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The death of an Australian tourist on a snorkelling boat that capsized near Bali has once again raised concerns over boat safety for tourists.
Anna Blight was among 13 passengers aboard the Sea Dragon 2, a snorkelling boat making its way from Bali to the popular Nusa Penida island on Friday, when a large wave capsized the vessel, local police said.
The passengers were thrown overboard.
Ida Bagus Putra Sumerta, the chief of Nusa Penida Police, told the ABC authorities had questioned the boat crew, captain and owner and were tracking down passengers for interviews.
"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," he said.
He said police were also investigating the cause of the capsizing.
"The waves at the time were going up and down like a swing, then when the boat was on the upswing of the wave, it hit some kind of wood," Mr Sumerta said.
He said police would continue to investigate any possible negligence.
The family of Ms Blight paid tribute to "a beloved daughter, sister, auntie, niece and friend to so many".
"She has been tragically taken from us far too soon. She will be greatly missed and forever loved and in our hearts," the family said in a statement.
How can tourists stay safe?
The Australian government's Smartraveller website has a section on adventure activities for tourists going to Indonesia.
It advises people to check all safety equipment and ensure they are insured for the activities they plan to undertake.
It also warns of the potential for fast-changing weather and says conditions may need to be continually monitored.
Ravindra Singh Shekhawat, general manager of Intrepid Travel's Indonesia branch, told the ABC capsizes in this region were not uncommon.
"Whenever the sea is rough, there are always boats that capsize, one or two every season. But it's very tragic and unusual for someone to lose their life," he said.
He said it was important for tourists to know what to expect from tour companies.
"When you book, talk to their staff about whether they understand what the safety standards are, whether they have emergency procedures," he said.
"If someone is offering very cheap activities compared to other operators, ask why."
Mr Shekhawat advised tourists to look for certification by Indonesia's national professional certification authority, the Badan Nasional Sertifikasi Profesi (BNSP).
"Look for operators with liability insurance, and check that the boats and drivers have licences, that they have certificates for snorkelling or diving," he said.
"Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you don't understand, ask. If you have an underlying health condition, tell someone."
Steven Waldberg of travel company Bali Villa Escapes said getting travel insurance was crucial.
"It's Bali — accidents can and will happen," he said.
Mr Waldberg warned that parts of the Bali tourism boating industry were unregulated.
"Basically, anyone can get a boat and start as a tour operator," he said.
"A small village can pool their resources and get a boat to take people on.
"Tour operators are becoming more compliant, but there are still those that fly under the radar and do the bare minimum."
'Holding on for dear life'
Gold Coast resident Jamie Durrant, who took a snorkelling tour on the same boat, the Sea Dragon 2, in October last year, said he was not surprised by news of the accident.
Mr Durrant and his family endured what he described as one of the worst boat trips of their lives.
"The swell was around one-and-a-half to two metres, and the captain was going full throttle the entire way. Each time we hit the bottom of a wave crest, the hull would smash down," he told the ABC.
"It was holding on for dear life," he added.
"It was so rough I tore muscles in my neck and my son hurt his arm, and my wife was severely seasick."
Mr Durrant said he became uneasy when, minutes before boarding, the family was asked to sign a waiver — seen by the ABC — preventing them from holding the operator responsible for any injuries.
Indo Compass Bali, which operates the Sea Dragon 2 boat, did not reply to a request for comment.
He urged others to do their research on tour operators before booking.
"I don't want other Australians going on holiday and having these kinds of experiences," he said.
Tourism board promises improvements
The peak industry body representing tourism in Bali, the Bali Tourism Board, called the incident "unexpected" and said it hoped it wouldn't tarnish their efforts to improve safety for tourists.
"The incident occurred due to weather anomalies and unusual natural conditions, as well as the disregard for safety instructions from authorities by some boat operators," Ida Bagus Agung Partha, chairman of Bali Tourism Board, said.
Last year the board proposed an additional certification to recognise top tourism operators around the country and is currently reassessing all sea tourism operators in Bali.
"The results of this verification will be completed in May and will then be used by ASITA (Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies) and OTA (Online Travel Agencies) as a reference in selecting and offering appropriate and standardised tourism products," it said.
Some of the outcomes of the process will include the retraining of tour operators, periodic audits and the need to display certification transparently to prospective tourists.
"Expensive prices do not always guarantee safety, but credible tour agents should be able to show official permit documents and clear operational standards," it warned.
