Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) stated that a ferry bound for Bali Island sank shortly after departing from Ketapang Port in East Java on Wednesday night, July 3rd. The incident has tragically resulted in 4 confirmed deaths, 38 people missing, and 23 individuals rescued.
The ferry named “KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya” set sail from Ketapang Port in East Java province, en route to Gilimanuk Port in Bali, covering a distance of approximately 50 kilometers. The vessel sank less than half an hour after departing.
Official data shows that the ferry was carrying 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles including 14 trucks.
The search and rescue operation began early Thursday morning, involving 9 vessels, including two tugboats and two rubber boats, braving high waves of up to 2 meters and unstable sea conditions to search for the missing individuals. Authorities mentioned that several survivors were discovered unconscious after drifting for several hours.
Indonesia, comprising over 17,000 islands, heavily relies on ferries as a common mode of transportation. However, due to lax regulations, overloading, and insufficient life-saving equipment, similar accidents occur periodically. In 2023, a ferry capsized near Sulawesi Island, resulting in at least 15 fatalities.
Following the incident, relatives of passengers gathered at Ketapang Port anxiously awaiting updates, with some expressing deep emotions. Some relatives managed to communicate with the rescued individuals through video calls.
Currently, the search and rescue operation is ongoing, with authorities facing severe obstacles due to strong winds and ocean currents. The government has urged for enhanced maritime safety standards to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
(This article references reports from Reuters and the Associated Press)