Indonesia tour boat capsizing leaves seven dead, 34 injured

Seven people were killed while 34 others suffered injuries after a tour boat capsized and sank in bad weather off Indonesia's Bengkulu province on Sunday, May 11.

The wooden-hulled vessel had 98 passengers and six crewmembers when it capsized while returning to Bengkulu City at around 16:30 local time on Sunday.

The boat was returning to Bengkulu City after having departed Tikus Island in West Papua earlier that same day.

A local official said the boat suffered engine failure during its return journey and became overwhelmed by strong winds and rough waves. It then struck a coral reef, and the resulting damage caused water to leak in via the hull.

The boat later tilted, capsized and sank.

Rescuers eventually brought 41 of the boat's occupants to various hospitals to receive treatment for their injuries. Tragically, seven individuals died while undergoing treatment.

Authorities have begun an investigation into the tragedy and have urged local tour boat operators to be mindful of safety regulations.