A 23-year-old Indonesian divemaster remains missing after a tourist dive boat carrying 30 people capsized and sank in Komodo National Park, with search teams continuing their efforts as police investigate the circumstances of the accident.
The vessel, KM Feronia, sank near Tatawa Besar in East Nusa Tenggara on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Of the 30 people on board, 29 were rescued, including 21 foreign tourists. Three foreign visitors reportedly sustained injuries.
The missing woman has been identified as Veronica Beatrix Jessica, a divemaster originally from Jakarta who was working aboard the vessel.
What Happened to KM Feronia?
According to Indonesian authorities, the 51-gross-tonne tourist vessel departed Labuan Bajo Marina at approximately 8am local time for a diving excursion in Komodo National Park.
The group had visited the Manta Point area and was travelling through waters near Tatawa Besar when the accident occurred at approximately 2.30pm.
Initial reports indicate that the vessel encountered powerful, swirling currents. The captain reportedly attempted to reduce speed as the boat approached the affected area, but the vessel lost stability, listed sharply and capsized.
The captain, identified as Isran, subsequently deployed a life raft to assist passengers. The missing divemaster’s absence was discovered during a headcount following the evacuation.
Indonesian news outlet Detik reported that Jessica was believed to have been inside the vessel’s toilet when it overturned, leaving her unable to escape.
That account is based on statements gathered by investigators and has not been independently verified.
Search Enters Third Day
A joint search and rescue operation was launched following the sinking, involving Indonesian maritime authorities, police, rescue personnel and divers.
Search teams faced difficult conditions, including strong currents and restricted underwater visibility.
During operations on Wednesday, 14 October, rescuers recovered floating debris believed to have come from KM Feronia, including a sofa cushion and a vessel fender.
According to iNews Sumba, search coordinators subsequently reviewed the operation and prepared to extend their search into waters south of Komodo National Park on Thursday, 15 October.
At the time of this report, no confirmed recovery of the missing divemaster had been established.
Police Investigating Possible Vessel Stability Issues
Police in West Manggarai have opened an investigation into the sinking, including whether the vessel’s construction and handling contributed to the accident.
Leonardo Marpaung, head of the local marine police unit, indicated that weather conditions at the surface were relatively calm, despite the powerful currents affecting the area.
Investigators are examining the vessel’s physical characteristics, particularly its relatively small hull and elevated cabin structure, which authorities believe may have affected its stability.
Police also intend to question the captain, engineering personnel, other crew members and representatives connected with the vessel’s operation.
As reported by Detik Bali, investigators are considering possible navigational errors or negligence, although no final determination of responsibility has been announced.
The vessel was reportedly operating with valid documentation and had been declared seaworthy before departure.
Strong Currents in Komodo Waters
Komodo National Park is one of Indonesia’s most internationally recognised diving destinations, attracting visitors to sites known for manta rays, coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity.
The same tidal exchanges that support the area’s marine ecosystems can also produce powerful currents, particularly around islands, channels and submerged formations.
The circumstances surrounding KM Feronia’s sinking raise questions about vessel stability, navigation and the management of marine tourism operations in challenging waters.
However, the precise sequence of events and the extent to which currents, vessel design or operational decisions contributed to the accident remain matters for the official investigation.
The Scuba News will continue following developments in the search for Veronica Beatrix Jessica and the investigation into the sinking.
