Jakarta, July 3, 2025 (Agencies): Indonesian authorities have launched a massive search and rescue operation after a ferry, KM Tunu Pratama Jaya, sank in the Bali Strait late Wednesday night, leaving at least four people dead and dozens unaccounted for.
The ferry, en route from Ketapang Port in East Java to Gilimanuk Port in Bali, reportedly went down around 11:35 p.m. local time, approximately 30 minutes after departure. According to officials, the vessel was carrying 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and over 20 vehicles.
By early Thursday, 31 survivors had been rescued, four bodies recovered, and 30 individuals remained missing. The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) deployed multiple vessels and rescue teams, while helicopters and divers faced challenges due to high waves and strong currents.
President Prabowo Subianto, currently on an overseas visit, issued directives prioritizing the rescue of all passengers. A crisis center has been set up at Gilimanuk Port to coordinate efforts and support affected families.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation. Maritime accidents remain a concern in Indonesia, an archipelago heavily reliant on ferry transport. Experts have frequently raised concerns over overloaded vessels and inconsistent safety regulations.
Authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the tragedy, while the rescue operation continues under increasingly difficult weather conditions.