2 Chinese nationals confirmed dead in Bali fast boat capsizing accident

JAKARTA, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese consulate general in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, confirmed on Tuesday that two Chinese nationals were killed in a fast boat capsizing accident off Indonesia's Bali Island earlier in the day.

Head of the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, I Nyoman Sidakarya, said the incident occurred at around 3:00 p.m. local time, when the fast boat Dolphin II was hit by large waves while traveling from Nusa Penida Port to Sanur Port in Bali Province. The vessel capsized as it neared its destination.

The boat was carrying 75 passengers, including 73 foreign tourists, as well as five crew members at the time. The accident left two people dead and one missing, while 77 others were rescued, according to Sidakarya.

Following the accident, local search and rescue teams deployed inflatable boats and personnel to conduct rescue operations. Search efforts for the missing person are still underway.

The Chinese consulate said it immediately activated its emergency response mechanism after the accident, maintained close contact with Indonesian authorities, and worked to handle related aftermath matters.

The consulate also reminded Chinese citizens in Indonesia to monitor sea condition information and pay attention to travel safety.■