A ferry carrying 65 passengers sank near Bali, resulting in four fatalities and 38 individuals still unaccounted for. Rescuers are battling rough seas in their search efforts as families await news.
Tragedy Strikes as Ferry Sinks Near Bali, Leaving Four Dead and 38 Missing
Tragedy Strikes as Ferry Sinks Near Bali, Leaving Four Dead and 38 Missing
Rescue operations are underway following the disastrous sinking of a ferry en route to Bali, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in Indonesian waters.
Rescue efforts are currently underway near Bali, Indonesia, after a ferry mishap led to the tragic loss of four lives and left 38 individuals missing. The KMT Tunu Pratama Jaya ferry had embarked on a routine journey from Java to the popular tourist destination of Bali late Wednesday, carrying 53 passengers along with 12 crew members.
The vessel set out just before 11 p.m. local time but encountered trouble shortly after departing, triggering a distress signal at 11:20 p.m. The ferry sank approximately 15 minutes later, plunging to the depths amid growing waves that exceeded six feet.
As operations continued on Thursday, the Indonesian search and rescue agency based in Surabaya confirmed the recovery of four bodies, while 23 survivors were rescued from the turbulent waters. Families gathered anxiously at Banyuwangi port in East Java, hoping for updates on their loved ones still unaccounted for.
Ferry disasters are not rare in Indonesia, known for its vast archipelago comprising over 17,000 islands. This incident marks the second significant ferry sinking near Bali in just one month, following another incident where all 89 passengers were successfully saved. With over six million international tourists visiting Bali in the past year, maritime safety remains an urgent and ongoing concern for authorities.
As the situation develops, local officials are prioritizing search efforts as they race against time to locate the missing individuals.
