SERANGAN, Bali — A traditional pinisi vessel anchored in the waters of Serangan, southern Bali, sank on Saturday, December 27, 2025, after being repeatedly battered by large waves amid heavy rain and deteriorating sea conditions. Video footage from the scene shows the wooden vessel listing before disappearing beneath the surface, despite being stationary at the time of the incident.
As of this writing, authorities have not confirmed whether there were any casualties. The cause of the sinking is believed to be linked to extreme weather, with powerful swells and persistent rainfall overwhelming the vessel while it was parked offshore.
The incident comes less than 24 hours after a far more tragic maritime disaster in eastern Indonesia. On the night of December 26, the Putri Sakinah, a tourist vessel operating near Labuan Bajo, sank in rough seas, leaving four Spanish tourists missing. Search and rescue operations remain ongoing.
Together, the two events underscore a stark reality facing Indonesia’s coastal regions this holiday season: the sea is no longer forgiving. Meteorological authorities have warned that a developing cyclone seed south of Indonesia is driving unstable weather across Bali, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), producing high waves, strong winds, and intense rainfall.
What makes the Serangan incident particularly concerning is that the vessel was not in transit. Even while anchored, it proved vulnerable to the force of the waves — a reminder that proximity to shore offers no guarantee of safety under current conditions.
A Caution for Visitors and Residents
For tourists and expatriates currently in Bali, the message from recent events is clear. This is not the moment to test the sea or chase island excursions. Authorities and safety experts advise travelers to postpone marine activities, monitor official weather updates, and, where possible, remain in hotels or villas until conditions stabilize.
Bali’s beauty has long been tied to the ocean, but during periods of extreme weather, restraint becomes an act of responsibility. As this turbulent week has shown, the line between routine travel and maritime emergency can disappear with alarming speed.
Cuaca Buruk di Bali continues to disrupt coastal activity. A pinisi boat sank while anchored in Serangan after being battered by heavy rain and powerful waves on December 27, 2025.https://t.co/al5ppKTwYz#CuacaBurukDiBali #BaliWeather #Serangan #Pinisi #MaritimeSafety #HighWave pic.twitter.com/2poM0FsRGA
— Hey Bali (@Heybaliinfo) December 27, 2025
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