The death of a Norwegian tourist in Bali’s Nusa Lembongan on 2nd May 2026 is being deemed one of the worst tourist tragedies in the region in recent memory.
A 34-year-old man was killed after being struck by a boat while spearfishing in the waters off Bali’s outlying island.
The incident took place over the weekend, with the community of Nusa Lembongan still in shock at the tragedy. On Saturday morning, the 34-year-old tourist known by his initials MEB, died while spearfishing in the waters of Tanjung Pakaang, in Nusa Lembongan. The incident took place in the middle of a busy marine tourism area popular with snorkelers, divers, and spearfishing trip providers.
Spearfishing is becoming an increasingly popular activity for tourists visiting Nusa Lembongan and other areas of Indonesia. Guided fishing trips typically last 3-4 hours, and tourists can keep their catch. Most spearfishing operators also provide their guests with all the equipment they need, making it accessible even for complete beginners.
MEB is reported to have been spearfishing in the water with his group, as a passing boat, capital failed to notice him in the water, striking him under the water. MEB is believed to have lost consciousness in the collision and drowned despite the immediate efforts to save his life by witnesses.
Speaking to reporters, Nusa Penida Police Chief I Ketut Kesuma Jaya explained, “We immediately went to the location to evacuate the victims, secure the situation, and gather witness statements. We also immediately coordinated with medical personnel.”
MEB was reduced from the water and immediately evacuated to Toyapakeh Port in critical condition. Upon arrival on shore, he was immediately taken to the Nusa Medica Clinic on Jalan Raya Toya Pakeh-Ped for medical treatment. Medical teams performed CPR for an hour before efforts were deemed unsuccessful.
Nusa Penida Police, along with relevant agencies, then transported the victim’s body to Prof. Ngoerah General Hospital in Denpasar. Police are currently conducting further investigations to determine the full chronology of the incident, including gathering statements from witnesses and the snorkeling boat owner involved.
The investigation will also cover an assessment of the technical aspects of maritime operations, including tourist boat traffic patterns in the area. Police have not suggested that the captain of the boat that collided with MEB will be criminally charged, though the investigation remains ongoing.
The incident serves as an all too stark warning to both boat trip operators and tourists taking part in marine tourism activities.
Tourists are urged to do thorough research on their tour provider before booking and read up on their safety policies. It is advisable to book with tour providers who operate trips in less busy and crowded areas.
Both Nusa Lemobgan and Nusa Penida are incredibly popular for snorkelling and diving trips, and the sites often feel busy with both people in the water and passing boats. It is imperative that divers and snorkelers keep their awareness of them even when in the water.
It is advisable to go out on diving and snorkelling trips during quieter periods, such as the late afternoon, weekdays, and outside of the peak season.
Tourists traveling to Bali’s Nusa Islands are warned to be aware of the hidden dangers of the islands. Though breathtakingly beautiful, tourists cannot simply switch off when visiting the Nusa Islands, and there are some all-important rules that must be observed.
Many of the island’s most popular beaches are not safe for swimming, including Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach. Even when the water looks calm, high waves can appear suddenly, and there are dangerously strong undercurrents in both locations.
Tourists set to take part in any adventure or marine tourism activities in Bali must make sure that they have fully comprehensive travel insurance.
It is essential to check that the policy covers activities such as diving, snorkelling, and swimming, as some travel insurance policies do not include cover for ‘extreme’ activities as standard.
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