Indonesian rescuers are in a race against time to locate 29 people still missing after a ferry, KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, sank late Wednesday near Bali. The tragedy claimed six lives, including a 3-year-old boy and his mother, whose bodies were recovered Thursday afternoon.
The ferry, which carried 53 passengers and 12 crew members, went down shortly after departing Ketapang port in East Java, en route to Bali’s Gilimanuk port. So far, 30 people have been rescued, according to the National Search and Rescue Agency.
Rescuers Battle Harsh Weather, Currents in Search for Bali Ferry Survivors
Efforts to find survivors have included a helicopter, 15 boats, and support from fishermen and local residents. Rescuers initially focused on the northern part of the shipping route, but shifting water currents later revealed many victims in the southern area.
The sunken ferry is believed to be fully submerged, and search teams are currently prioritizing surface-level rescues, though there’s concern that some individuals may still be trapped inside the vessel.
Rescuers Race Against Time Amid Harsh Seas to Find Survivors of Sunken Bali FerryWeather has significantly impacted the ongoing rescue mission. Strong currents, darkness, and waves up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) high made overnight operations perilous. Although conditions slightly improved by Thursday morning, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency warned of continued strong currents and winds.
Authorities have since narrowed their search efforts to the waters between the accident site and Gilimanuk port, where the first victims were located.
Survivors Recall Sudden Sinking as Authorities Probe Ferry Safety Failures
According to survivors and port officials, the ferry began tilting rapidly and communication via radio was unsuccessful at the onset of the incident. Some passengers were found unconscious after drifting for hours in turbulent seas.
Survivor Supardi, 64, described how he and others were quickly submerged and used life jackets to survive after the vessel filled with water. Initial reports suggest a leak in the engine room may have caused the ferry to sink, and authorities are investigating further.
This incident underscores long-standing concerns about ferry safety in Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands heavily reliant on maritime transport. Safety regulations are often poorly enforced, contributing to a history of similar tragedies.
As survivors receive medical care and distraught families gather for news, officials continue their search and investigation, hoping to bring closure and accountability in the aftermath of this devastating event.