Terrifying moment tourist ferry sinks off coast of Bali

Horrifying footage has captured the moment a ferry capsized while carrying dozens of tourists.

Terrifying footage has captured people fighting for their lives after a tourist boat carrying 89 passengers capsized off the coast of Bali.

The boat had just set off from Lembongan Village, on the island of Nusa Lembongan, at about 4.30pm local time on Wednesday when it was hit by a large wave.

Footage captured by passengers shows people kicking IN windows of the ferry as they desperately try to escape the quick-sinking vessel.

The passenger ferry can be seen capsizing. Picture: Facebook/Denpasar Viral

The inside of the boat quickly flooded. Picture: Facebook/Denpasar Viral

Others can be heard shouting and wailing as a nearby boat throws rope to people escaping through windows.

Separate footage shows the boat completely on its side with passengers scrambling to stay afloat.

The 125-seat vessel, known as The Tanis, was newly loaded with passengers, and had been backing out on its way to nearby town Sanur, when tragedy struck.

Local media reports that the boat was struck from behind by large waves, causing it to take on water.

Of the 89 passengers on-board, 77 were foreigners and 12 were Indonesian. Footage showed witnesses rushing to help those trapped on the boat as it tilted and sank further into the sea.

Thankfully, quick-thinking witnesses spotted the boat going down and rushed to the scene, helping to evacuate passengers who could be seen sliding into the water with life-jackets.

All passengers were evacuated to safety by 6.30pm local time and no deaths or serious injuries were reported.

As a safety precaution, divers have been employed to search the sunken boat and seabed, to ensure there are no victims.

Most of the passengers on board the sunken boat chose to remain in Nusa Lembongan after the incident, but two proceeded with the journey to Sanur Harbor.

Passengers can be heard screaming as they cling on. Picture: Instagram/Depansar Viral

The Australian Government has since updated its advice for travellers. Picture: Facebook/Denpasar Viral

It’s understood The Tanis was only in operation for three months before it sank.

The terrifying incident comes just three months after an Australian woman was killed after a tourist snorkelling boat capsized in Bali.

39-year-old Melbourne accountant, Anna Blight tragically drowned after their boat was hit by large waves, causing it to flip upside down.

The boat carrying 13 people, including 11 Australians, was travelling to the popular island of Nusa Penida when they became overwhelmed by rough surf.

Government website Smartraveller has since updated its advice, warning Australians to “exercise a high degree of caution,” when visiting the country.

The website flagged a number of issues including drowning, dangerous boats or ferries, strict entry conditions and alcohol poisoning.

“Australians have drowned in coastal areas, due to rough seas and strong rip currents at popular tourist beaches including in Bali. Many beaches are unpatrolled,” it said.