KARANGASEM, Bali – A routine fishing trip turned into a nightmare when a British tourist boat capsized in Bali’s eastern waters, off Banjar Bunutan, Abang District, Karangasem, on Tuesday (October 14, 2025). The incident was caused by sudden fierce winds and massive waves that struck without warning, leaving the two passengers stranded in open water.

The small fishing boat was operated by I Nyoman Juliantara, a local fisherman from Bunutan, who had taken Anah Inogen Joned, a tourist from the United Kingdom, on a morning fishing excursion. The sea was calm at first, but within minutes, the sky darkened, and the wind began to howl. Powerful waves began to rise from the horizon.

According to eyewitnesses, the boat was already several hundred meters offshore when the storm hit. The first wave lifted the stern high before a second crash sent it rolling onto its side. The boat flipped completely, tossing both Juliantara and Joned into the cold water.

“The waves came out of nowhere. It happened so quickly — they had no time to react before the boat overturned,” said I Made Suparwata, the head of Bunutan village.

Despite the chaos, both victims managed to cling to the overturned hull. For nearly 15 minutes, they battled the waves and tried to stay afloat. Nearby fishermen who saw the capsized boat immediately rushed to help. After a tense rescue effort, the pair were pulled from the water and brought safely to shore.

“Fortunately, other fishermen were close enough to notice the incident. They worked together to bring both the local fisherman and the British tourist to safety,” Suparwata added.

Local authorities confirmed that both individuals were unharmed, though visibly shaken. The British tourist reportedly expressed deep gratitude to her rescuers and local villagers who provided aid after the ordeal.

The Karangasem Marine Safety Post has since issued a warning to local operators and tourists, urging them to stay alert for sudden weather changes. October marks a transitional period between dry and wet seasons in Bali, during which unexpected storms are not uncommon in the island’s eastern seas.

Residents along Bali’s coastlines, especially in Karangasem, Amed, and Tulamben areas, are also being advised to limit offshore fishing and diving trips until conditions improve.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly the calm beauty of Bali’s ocean can turn perilous — and how local courage and quick action can mean the difference between life and tragedy.