NUSA PENIDA, Bali — A suspected electrical short circuit is believed to have triggered the snorkeling boat fire in Gamat Bay that forced four foreign tourists and a guide to jump into the sea earlier this week.
Police are now examining an initial sequence of events that suggests the fire may have started when the boat’s engine was being switched on.
According to preliminary information from investigators, an electrical short circuit is believed to have produced sparks near the boat’s power system. The sparks then allegedly reached fuel, causing flames to spread rapidly across the vessel.
The fire also affected the boat’s two Suzuki 60-horsepower outboard engines before spreading further through the vessel.
The boat, named Naomi, had been carrying four foreign tourists on a private snorkeling trip to Manta Bay, Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay.
As the vessel was preparing to leave Gamat Bay, those on board reportedly heard an explosion before flames appeared.
The four tourists and their snorkeling guide immediately jumped into the sea to escape the fire. All five were later rescued safely by another boat passing through the area.
The captain remained on board longer and suffered burns to his legs. He was taken to Gema Santhi Hospital in Nusa Penida for medical treatment.
Initial reports had pointed to a possible problem involving the boat’s battery system. The latest findings provide a clearer possible sequence, with investigators now looking at whether an electrical fault created sparks that then reached fuel and caused the fire to spread.
However, police have not yet confirmed the short circuit as the definitive cause.
Investigators are continuing to examine the vessel and collect information to determine exactly what triggered the explosion and fire.
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