A snorkeling excursion near Nusa Penida, Indonesia, ended with five people jumping into the sea after their boat exploded and caught fire, according to a statement from the Klungkung Regency Police. Authorities said all passengers and crew survived, though the captain suffered serious burns to his legs.
The incident occurred on Thursday in Gamat Bay, off Nusa Penida, an island southeast of Bali. The boat, named Naomi, had planned stops at Manta Bay, Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay. Police said the excursion had been underway for about an hour when the boat was preparing to leave Gamat Bay and a loud blast came from its rear section.
The police statement said the explosion was suspected to involve a battery component attached to the boat. Flames followed, prompting the guide and four foreign tourists to jump into the water, according to authorities. The cause has not been established; officials said the explosion and fire remain under investigation.
At approximately 2:50 p.m., a passing boat picked up the passengers and crew, Senior Commissioner Rina Isriana Dewi, a Bali Police public information official, said. Police described the evacuation as successful and said all foreign passengers and crew were brought to safety.
The captain was transported to the emergency department at Gema Santhi Regional Hospital for treatment, according to Indonesia’s official national news agency, ANTARA. Officials said the boat owner planned to file an official report at Nusa Penida Police Headquarters after accompanying the captain during treatment.
Authorities also said Naomi had received routine repairs and maintenance before the outing. The available information does not identify what specifically caused the explosion, or provide further details about the boat’s condition or the captain’s medical outlook.
Nusa Penida is known for coastal scenery and snorkeling areas. Indonesia’s official statistics agency reported that Bali received nearly 7 million foreign tourists in 2025, an increase of almost 10% from the previous year. That broader tourism context does not establish any connection between the island’s visitor numbers and this incident.
