Explosion on Bali tourist boat kills one and injures several
Nineteen people suffered horrific injuries in blast, which is not thought to have been a bomb
At least one person died and 19 others were horrifically wounded in an explosion on a tourist boat between the Indonesian islands of Bali and Lombok.
It is not known what caused the blast, but police say they do not believe it was a bomb.
Reports from the incident have been confusing, with initial statements suggesting that two people died. According to the BBC, there was one foreign female victim, possibly German, but her nationality has yet to be officially confirmed.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Indonesia has "a poor maritime safety record", notes the broadcaster. Some reports say a battery may have short-circuited above a fuel tank, causing it to blow up.
The Gili Cat 2 boat was carrying at least 30 passengers – all of them foreigners – and four crew when the incident happened just 200m into its journey to the island of Gili Trawangan.
A passenger document shows there were tourists from the UK, France, Italy, Portugal, Ireland and Spain on board.
Photographs of badly-injured victims being carried ashore have been widely shared on social media.
Police chief Sugeng Sudarso said the victims were being taken to a clinic in Manggis Village. "Many victims [are] injured, mostly foreigners. One female passenger died from head injuries," he said.
"We are still investigating the cause of the explosion – whether there is any element of intent or negligence."
A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are providing consular assistance to British nationals affected by an explosion on a ferry off the coast of Bali."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The history of Donald Trump's election conspiracy theories
The Explainer How the 2024 Republican nominee has consistently stoked baseless fears of a stolen election
By David Faris Published
-
Two ancient cities have been discovered along the Silk Road
Under the radar The discovery changed what was known about the old trade route
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
'People shouldn't have to share the road with impaired drivers'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sweden clears final NATO hurdle with Hungary vote
Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published