Sanur, Bali – The family of Hanqing Yu, a 37-year-old Chinese tourist who died in the Bali Dolphin Cruise II fast boat accident, has filed a formal negligence complaint against the vessel’s operator with the Bali Police. The incident, which occurred off Sanur’s coast, claimed three lives—two foreign nationals and one local—raising urgent questions about maritime safety in one of Indonesia’s top tourist destinations.
Negligence Allegations as Grieving Family Seeks Accountability
Through their legal representative, Haryadi, the victim’s family has accused the boat operator of criminal negligence leading to wrongful death. “The family demands fair and just treatment,” Haryadi stated during a press briefing in Kuta on Monday (11/8/2025). “This tragedy has left a wife widowed and a seven-year-old child without a father.”
The family is seeking compensation for funeral expenses, including cremation costs, while emphasizing their broader demand for justice. “This was not just an accident—it was a preventable loss of life,” Haryadi added.
Police Investigation: Human Error or Force Majeure?
The Bali Police’s Water and Air Unit (Ditpolairud) has confirmed the report and is examining 13 witnesses, including crew members, surviving passengers, and port authorities. AKBP Nanang Prihasmoko, head of the legal subdivision, revealed that the boat’s captain, identified by initials KA, is currently the sole suspect—though more individuals could face charges as the probe unfolds.
Key questions remain:
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Was the accident caused by human error or extreme weather?
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Why was the wreckage destroyed before a full forensic analysis?
Authorities insist the boat’s destruction does not hinder the investigation, as critical evidence—including life jackets, engine parts, and photographs—was secured beforehand.
Tourism Safety Under Scrutiny
The Bali Dolphin Cruise II disaster has reignited concerns over lax safety standards in Bali’s booming marine tourism sector. With over 6 million visitors annually, the island’s fast boats—often overcrowded and poorly maintained—have long been criticized.
Haryadi stressed that the family’s fight extends beyond compensation: “They want passenger safety prioritized so no one else suffers this fate.”
Mediation Efforts and Global Implications
While the boat operator has reached out for an “amicable resolution,” the victim’s family insists on legal accountability. Meanwhile, the second Chinese victim’s family, Shio Quo Hong, is also seeking legal support, signaling potential further action.
As Bali’s high season approaches, this case serves as a grim reminder of the stakes—for tourists, expats, and locals alike.
