A Norwegian tourist has died after being struck by a snorkelling boat while spearfishing off Nusa Lembongan, Bali, according to local police reports.
The 34-year-old, identified by the initials MEB, was in the water at Tanjung Pakaang, near Lembongan Village, at around 9.40 am on 2 May 2026 when the accident occurred.
Lembongan is one of three islands, including Ceningan and the much larger island of Penida, that together make up what has become colloquially known as ‘the Nusa Islands’.
According to Nusa Penida Police, the victim had been spearfishing with a group when a snorkelling boat passed through the area and struck him while he was at the surface.
‘The results of the initial examination showed that the victim suffered bruises on the lower right chest, a broken right leg, and a laceration on the right thigh,’ said Nusa Penida Police Chief Commissioner I Ketut Kesuma Jaya.
Witnesses reported that the impact caused the victim to submerge. A passenger on the boat entered the water and assisted in bringing him back to the surface.
He was evacuated to Toyapakeh Harbour on Nusa Penida and transported to Nusa Medical Clinic for treatment.
‘Even though cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed for approximately one hour, the victim was declared dead,’ said Kesuma.
Police said officers responded to reports of the incident and carried out an evacuation and initial enquiries at the scene.
‘We moved quickly to handle the situation in the field, starting from evacuating the victim, securing the location, to collecting statements from witnesses. We also coordinated with medical personnel and related agencies for further handling,’ said Kesuma.
The body was later transferred to Prof Ngoerah General Hospital in Denpasar, Bali.
Local reports said the area was busy with marine tourism activity at the time, including snorkelling, scuba diving and boat traffic.
Initial findings indicate the victim sustained significant trauma consistent with a collision. Police said the investigation, which will include interviews with witnesses and the boat’s crew, is ongoing.
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