Family of Anna Maree Blight pay tribute following fatal Bali boat accident that injured two other Australians

The family of an Australian woman killed in a horror tour boat accident in Bali have broken their silence, describing the 39-year-old as “compassionate” and “quick-witted”.

Anna Maree Blight was killed when a large wave capsized the snorkelling tour boat she was on near the Island of Nusa Penida on Friday.

She had reportedly celebrated her 39th birthday just two days before she was killed.

Blight’s family released a statement on Monday saying they were devastated by her loss and she would be greatly missed.

They said she was a beloved family member and friend and who had been “tragically taken from us far too soon”.

“Anna was a beloved daughter, sister, aunty, niece and friend to so many,” her family said.

“She was an intelligent, warm, compassionate and quick-witted young woman.

“Anna was passionate about her work, family, friends, travel and sport; especially her beloved Richmond Tigers.”

The family thanked the support and love from family and friends but also requested privacy to grieve.

Originally from Canberra, Blight worked as a director of advisory and restructuring firm Cor Cordis in Melbourne.

Two other Australians, couple Gabriel Hijniakoff, 29, and Cintamani Warrington, 32, were also on the boat and suffered severe burns from the boat engine, according to local police.

According to a fundraiser set up by a family member, Warrington sustained severe burns, including chemical burns, to a large portion of her body.

“She is currently undergoing urgent surgery and is receiving medical treatment in Bali,” Olivia Hijniakoff said.

“Unfortunately, she is unable to speak due to the pain and her condition remains critical.”

The boat, Sea Dragon 2, reportedly got into trouble at Klingking, a famous cove popular with tourists, hitting debris before being capsized by a wave.

A second boat run by the same tour company rescued the stranded tourists and tour guides, bringing them ashore to Sanur, in Bali’s southeast.

Police released images of tourists and staff clinging to the overturned boat, while a Dutch woman also shared a clip of the boat before it capsized to Netherlands public broadcaster NOS.

The video shows the boat struggling in choppy waters before the incident.

One woman can be heard saying “I’ve never seen this in my life” before water crashes onto the boat and it appears to overturn.

Screams can be heard in the background.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to Blight’s family.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” a spokesperson said last week.

“The Department is also providing consular assistance to two Australians who were injured in the same incident.

“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”