The tour operator and boat owner involved in the fatal snorkeling accident that claimed the lives of two Chinese honeymooners in Labuan Bajo have agreed to compensate the victims’ family following several days of mediation, marking the first concrete resolution in a case that has raised wider concerns about safety standards at one of Indonesia’s fastest-growing tourist destinations.
The agreement comes nearly two weeks after Guo Xingyou, 29, and Sha Gingyang, 30, drowned while snorkeling off Kelor Island in the waters of Komodo National Park, a destination frequently visited by travelers extending their Bali holidays.
Compensation Agreement Reached
The settlement was reached during mediation held in Labuan Bajo on Tuesday, July 28, and facilitated by investigators from the West Manggarai Water and Air Police Unit (Satpolairud).
Compensation will be paid jointly by PT Indomuka Travel Indonesia, the tour operator that arranged the excursion, and the owner of the Rinca Story open-deck tourist vessel.
“Yes, an agreement has been reached. The travel agent and the boat owner have agreed to provide compensation to the victims’ family,” said Iptu Leonardo Marpaung, head of the West Manggarai Water and Air Police Unit.
Authorities declined to disclose the financial value of the settlement, saying investigators are still finalizing the official mediation report.
Payments Will Be Made in Installments
Budi Widjaja, a volunteer liaison assisting the Chinese Consulate General in Bali and supporting the victims’ relatives, confirmed that the compensation would be paid in installments.
“The parties have reached an agreement. The family’s requests will be fulfilled through installment payments,” Budi said.
He also declined to reveal the amount but confirmed that the settlement reflects the family’s requests.
According to earlier statements, the family sought reimbursement for hospital expenses, transportation of the victims’ bodies, and cremation costs in Bali.
Five members of the victims’ family have remained in Labuan Bajo since the accident to oversee both the investigation and compensation process.
A Honeymoon That Ended in Tragedy
Guo Xingyou and Sha Gingyang had traveled to Labuan Bajo for their honeymoon before joining a snorkeling trip to Kelor Island on July 15.
Search and rescue officials previously said the couple were swept away by strong waves while snorkeling and later drowned.
Subsequent police investigations uncovered several potential safety failures, including allegations that the tourists did not receive effective safety briefings because of language barriers, were not wearing life jackets, lacked supervision while in the water, and were accompanied by an intern rather than a certified tour guide.
Police have since questioned 14 witnesses, including the boat captain, crew members, travel agency representatives, government officials, and vessel owners, as investigators continue examining whether operational negligence contributed to the deaths.
No criminal suspects have been formally named.
What This Means for Travelers Visiting Bali and Labuan Bajo
Although the compensation agreement brings a measure of closure for the victims’ family, it does not end the broader investigation into whether the accident could have been prevented.
For many international visitors, particularly those combining a Bali holiday with a trip to Komodo National Park, the case has become a reminder that choosing a reputable tour operator is just as important as selecting the destination itself.
Before joining snorkeling or diving excursions, travelers should confirm that operators provide multilingual safety briefings when necessary, require life jackets where appropriate, employ certified guides, and actively supervise guests in the water, especially at sites known for changing currents.
As Indonesian authorities continue investigating the incident, the tragedy has also intensified calls for higher safety standards across one of the country’s flagship tourism destinations, where international confidence depends not only on spectacular scenery but also on the professionalism of the tourism industry.
