A ferry carrying 65 people sank off the coast of Indonesia’s resort island of Bali, triggering a major rescue operation as 43 people remain missing. The incident occurred late Wednesday night amid rough sea conditions, according to Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency. The ferry, KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, sank roughly 30 minutes after departing Ketapang port in East Java, en route to Gilimanuk port in Bali, a distance of around 50 kilometres.
The vessel was transporting 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles, including 14 trucks, when it went down. Banyuwangi police chief Rama Samtama Putra confirmed that two bodies have been recovered and 20 people rescued, many of whom were found drifting unconscious in the turbulent waters after hours of exposure.
Search and rescue teams, aided by local fishermen and the military, continue to scour the area for survivors. Strong currents and high waves are reportedly hampering the operation. Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the sinking, but investigations are underway as families await updates on their missing loved ones.
