Australian dead, two injured in Bali after snorkelling boat capsizes

An Australian woman celebrating her birthday in Bali has died and two others are injured after a snorkelling boat they were travelling in capsized when it was pounded by strong waves.

The Balinese boat Sea Dragon 2 has capsized, claiming the life of one Australian.

An Australian woman has died and two others were injured in a snorkelling incident off Bali after a boat they were travelling in capsized when it hit rough seas.

Anna Maree, 39, from Canberra, who celebrated her birthday on Wednesday, was identified as the deceased victim, according to Bali police.

Gabriel Hijniakoff, 29, from Brisbane, and 32-year-old Cintamani Warington, an Australian national living in Bali, were injured in the incident which occurred about 8.30am local time on Friday.

The captain attempted to avoid the wave but lost control, causing the boat to capsize. Picture: iStock

The Australians were aboard the Sea Dragon snorkelling boat, which had departed from Sanur on the east coast of south Bali, along with the captain, two crew members and 11 foreigners.

The vessel hit rough seas when it reached Klingking waters, with a large wave suddenly striking the boat, Bali police said.

The captain attempted to avoid the wave but lost control, causing the boat to capsize.

Another snorkelling boat in the area rushed to the vessel’s aid, rescuing 10 victims and bringing them to shore where they were then rushed to hospital.

Among those was Ana Maree who had sustained burns in the incident and had been rushed to hospital, but she later died.

The two injured Australians sustained burns on their upper thighs, likely due to the heat from the engine, according to Bali police.

They were being treated at Griya Medical Clinic and will be flown to Denpasar.

The capsized boat has been recovered and towed to Toyapakeh Harbor.

Nusa Penida is a popular, picturesque island among tourists on the southeastern side of Bali and is separated by the Badung Strait.

Originally published as Australian dead, two injured in Bali after snorkelling boat capsizes