LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia — A tourist speedboat carrying six domestic visitors crashed into a coral reef off the coast of Labuan Bajo early Saturday morning, leaving the vessel’s captain injured but all passengers safely evacuated.
The accident occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. local time in the waters north of Bidadari Island, one of the small islands near Labuan Bajo, the main gateway to Komodo National Park, one of Indonesia’s most popular destinations for diving, island hopping, and wildlife tourism.
According to Stephanus Risdiyanto, head of the Class III Labuan Bajo Harbourmaster and Port Authority (KSOP), the vessel, identified as Hook Up, lost control while returning from an overnight fishing trip.
“The boat lost control and began moving erratically before eventually running aground along the northern shoreline of Bidadari Island,” Stephanus said.
The speedboat had departed Marina Port in Labuan Bajo on Friday afternoon at around 4:00 p.m. for a recreational fishing excursion in the waters surrounding Bidadari Island.
The collision occurred during the return journey to Labuan Bajo.
Authorities said six Indonesian tourists were on board when the accident happened.
No passengers suffered serious injuries, although the captain was hurt after reportedly falling from the vessel’s bridge during the impact.
A joint emergency response team, including search and rescue personnel, was immediately dispatched to the scene.
The captain and all passengers were successfully evacuated and transported to Siloam Hospital Labuan Bajo for medical evaluation.
“Our emergency response team immediately proceeded to the location to evacuate both the crew and passengers,” Stephanus said.
Authorities have not yet disclosed what caused the vessel to lose control, and an investigation into the incident is expected.
The accident comes as Labuan Bajo continues to attract growing numbers of domestic and international visitors exploring Indonesia’s eastern islands.
While marine accidents remain relatively uncommon, officials regularly remind travelers to use licensed operators and follow crew safety instructions, particularly during early morning or overnight excursions.
No environmental damage assessment has yet been released regarding the reef where the vessel ran aground.