Nightmare at Sea: Ferry Sinks Off Bali, Leaving Four Dead and Dozens Missing
A desperate search-and-rescue operation is underway in the waters off Bali today, following a horrifying maritime disaster that saw a ferry carrying 65 people sink late Wednesday night. The tragic incident has claimed at least four lives, including a young child, with dozens still unaccounted for, sparking fears of a growing casualty toll.
The ill-fated vessel, the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, was undertaking what should have been a routine, hour-long crossing from Ketapang port in Banyuwangi, East Java, to Gilimanuk port in northern Bali. However, approximately 25 to 30 minutes into its journey, tragedy struck. Survivors recount a terrifying ordeal: the ferry reportedly suffered engine trouble, began to violently tilt, and then rapidly succumbed to the waves, submerging beneath the surface. Some managed to cling to life by using a lifeboat, while others were found unconscious, adrift for hours in the treacherous, choppy waters.
Authorities revealed the ferry's manifest listed 53 passengers and 12 crew, alongside 22 vehicles, including 14 trucks. However, officials are now grimly investigating whether the actual number of individuals on board exceeded this official count – a distressingly common issue in Indonesia's often under-regulated maritime transport sector.
As of Thursday, July 3, while 31 people have been pulled from the sea alive, the grim reality is that 30 individuals remain missing. Among the confirmed fatalities are a 3-year-old boy and his mother, adding to the heartbreaking scale of the disaster. Rescue efforts, involving helicopters, numerous boats, and the invaluable assistance of local fishermen, have been hampered by strong currents and challenging winds, though conditions are now reported to have slightly improved.
While a full investigation into the cause of the sinking is underway, multiple officials have pointed to "bad weather" as a significant contributing factor. This latest incident starkly underscores the persistent concerns surrounding maritime safety in Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago heavily reliant on ferry services, where such accidents are regrettably frequent due to often lax safety standards and the inherent dangers of unpredictable sea conditions. Currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, President Prabowo Subianto has swiftly ordered an immediate emergency response to the unfolding catastrophe.
At Ketapang port, scenes of anguish are playing out as distraught family members gather, clutching onto fading hope, desperately seeking news and reassurance about their missing loved ones.
