A large-scale rescue operation is underway off the coast of Bali after a ferry sank late Wednesday night, leaving 32 people missing and four confirmed dead, according to Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency.
The ferry, KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, went down approximately 30 minutes after departing Ketapang port in East Java’s Banyuwangi, en route to Bali’s Gilimanuk port — a route of about 50 kilometers (30 miles). On board were 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles, including 14 trucks.
Rescue Efforts Intensify
So far, 29 people have been rescued, many of whom were unconscious after hours in turbulent waters. Rescuers battled waves up to 2 meters high (6.5 feet) overnight, but weather conditions improved Thursday morning, making search efforts more efficient.
The rescue team, led by the Surabaya Search and Rescue Agency, deployed nine boats, including tugboats and inflatable crafts. Local fishermen and people onshore also joined the search.
“For today’s search we are focusing on searching on the water, as the initial victims were found in the water between the location of the accident and Gilimanuk port,” said Nanang Sigit, head of the Surabaya Search and Rescue agency.
Ferry Sank Within Sight of Port Officials
The sinking was witnessed by a port officer who noted the ship’s radio was unresponsive from the start. “Then it could be contacted by other ships from the same company. But the ship was already in a tilting condition,” Sigit added.
Family members rushed to the port in panic and grief, seeking news of loved ones. Many wept openly, hoping their relatives would be among the survivors.
Recurring Maritime Risks
Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, relies heavily on ferries for transportation. However, ferry accidents are frequent, often blamed on lax safety standards, overloading, or poor vessel maintenance.
This latest disaster comes as a reminder of the country’s ongoing challenge in ensuring safe marine travel.
Search efforts are continuing, and authorities say the next 24 hours will be critical in the search for survivors.
