Police identify possible negligence after Komodo tourist-boat sinking

Komodo National Park waters — Manggarai Barat police said on 16 October 2026 that they had found indications of negligence in the sinking of the tourist boat KM Feronia in Komodo National Park waters on 13 October.

Police said they would examine the captain, the chief engineer and three other crew members, as well as the shipping agent and vessel owner. Investigators are examining whether the captain adequately accounted for the boat’s stability while navigating a strong swirling current.

KM Feronia was carrying 25 passengers and five crew members when it capsized and sank near Tatawa Besar and Batu Bolong during its return to Labuan Bajo, according to reports by Floresa.co, BBC News Indonesia and Divemagazine. Twenty-nine people were rescued, while Indonesian dive master Veronica Beatrix Jessica, 23, remained missing.

Three foreign tourists suffered injuries and received medical treatment, according to IDN Times. The vessel held a valid seaworthiness certificate, while the exact cause of the sinking remained under investigation.

The joint search involved maritime police, naval personnel, harbour authorities and search-and-rescue teams. Strong currents and limited underwater visibility hampered efforts to locate Jessica, according to Divemagazine and Divernet.

Sources

• Floresa.co
• Divemagazine
• BBC News Indonesia
• IDN Times