Rescue operations are underway as authorities search for 32 individuals who remain unaccounted for following the sinking of a ferry near Bali, Indonesia. The incident, which occurred late Wednesday, led to the recovery of four bodies and the successful rescue of 29 others, according to the National Search and Rescue Agency.
The ferry, the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, was on a journey from Ketapang port in East Java to Gilimanuk port in Bali when it sank approximately half an hour after departure. It was carrying 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and a total of 22 vehicles. Initial reports indicate that the ferry was unable to communicate via radio shortly before it began to tilt and eventually capsized.
As family members gathered at the departure port, anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones, rescue efforts were bolstered by improving sea conditions. Nine boats, including tug and inflatable vessels, along with local fishermen, were involved in the search, which had been hampered by strong waves and darkness during the night.
Rescue officials have emphasized that today’s operations will focus on areas of water where initial victims were discovered, highlighting the challenging maritime environment typical of Indonesia. The country is known for frequent ferry incidents due to safety regulation gaps and the reliance on ferries for transportation across its vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands.
While the situation remains critical and distressing for families, the improved weather conditions provide a glimmer of hope for rescuers as they continue their efforts to locate and save those still missing.