Rescue operations underway in Indonesia after dozens go missing in ferry incident near Bali

Rescue operations underway in Indonesia after dozens go missing in ferry incident near Bali
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Indonesian rescuers continue searching for 29 people missing after the ferry KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya sank near Bali, resulting in six confirmed deaths, CNN reported. The ferry went down late Wednesday night, about half an hour after departing Ketapang port in Banyuwangi, East Java, en route to Gilimanuk port on Bali, a short 5-kilometer journey.

Authorities have rescued 30 of the ferry’s 53 passengers and 12 crew members. The bodies of six victims, including a 3-year-old boy and his mother, were recovered and are being returned to their families in Banyuwangi. Rescuers, assisted by fishermen and local residents, deployed helicopters and 15 boats to search the waters, focusing on areas affected by shifting currents.

Strong waves up to 2.5 meters and rough weather conditions have complicated the search efforts. Officials believe some passengers may still be trapped inside the fully submerged ferry, but current efforts prioritize surface searches.

Survivors, many unconscious after hours in choppy waters, were treated at Bali’s Jembrana Regional Hospital. Eyewitnesses reported the ferry began tilting and lost radio contact before sinking. Survivors indicated a possible engine room leak caused the accident. Indonesian authorities are investigating the cause amid concerns over ferry safety in the archipelago, where such tragedies are unfortunately common.