DENPASAR, Bali — A Chinese crew member has died aboard a cargo vessel sailing from China to Australia, prompting a coordinated maritime evacuation off the coast of Bali.
The deceased, identified as Zhang Wenli, 47, was transferred from the MV Shandong De Yu to Indonesian rescue authorities on Tuesday morning after the ship entered waters near Benoa Port.
According to the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office (Basarnas), the agency received an emergency notification from the vessel’s local shipping agent late Monday evening requesting assistance with the evacuation.
Crew Member Reportedly Fell Ill at Sea
Rescue officials said Zhang was reported to have died at around 9:00 a.m. local time while the cargo ship was passing through the Badung Strait, south of Bali.
Initial information provided by the ship’s crew indicated that the 47-year-old experienced health complications, including difficulty breathing, before losing consciousness. The exact cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed.
Rescue Teams Meet Ship Offshore
Following the report, Indonesian authorities coordinated with the vessel, the ship’s agent, the Benoa Port Authority (KSOP) and the Port Health Office to arrange an offshore transfer.
An interception point was established approximately 4.2 nautical miles from Benoa Port, where a rescue team departed shortly before 7:00 a.m. aboard a rigid inflatable rescue boat.
The team, consisting of Basarnas personnel, a representative of the shipping agent and a health official, reached the cargo ship roughly 15 minutes later.
Crew members aboard the MV Shandong De Yu transferred Zhang’s body to the rescue vessel, which then returned to Benoa Port without incident.
Body Taken for Further Examination
The rescue boat arrived back at Benoa Port at approximately 7:55 a.m., where the body was transferred to an ambulance and transported to Prof. Ngoerah General Hospital in Denpasar for further examination and administrative procedures.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the crew member’s medical history or whether an autopsy will be conducted.
The MV Shandong De Yu had been sailing from China to Australia when the incident occurred. Indonesian authorities have not indicated that any other crew members were affected.
The operation highlights Bali’s strategic role as a maritime emergency response hub for vessels navigating one of Southeast Asia’s busiest international shipping routes.