Rescuers in Indonesia face treacherous conditions while searching for 38 individuals unaccounted for after a ferry disaster en route to the popular resort island of Bali, which has so far claimed four lives. The KMT Tunu Pratama Jaya ferry sank shortly after departing from Java late Wednesday night, carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew members when a distress signal was issued just minutes into the journey.
The incident occurred around 11:20 p.m. local time, with the vessel capsizing just 15 minutes later. By Thursday morning, search and rescue teams based in Surabaya reported that four bodies had been retrieved from the waters, and 23 survivors were plucked from the ocean amidst waves exceeding six feet. As family members anxiously awaited news at the Banyuwangi port in East Java, multiple boats and local fishermen joined extensive search operations to locate the missing.
Sadly, ferry incidents are not uncommon in Indonesia, which includes over 17,000 islands. This particular tragedy marks the second ferry sinking off Bali within a month, raising further alarms about safety protocols in the region’s maritime travel. Last year alone, Bali attracted over six million international tourists, making it crucial for local authorities to address these ongoing safety concerns to secure the welfare of travelers and residents alike.
As developments unfold, the community remains hopeful for the safe return of those still missing at sea.
The incident occurred around 11:20 p.m. local time, with the vessel capsizing just 15 minutes later. By Thursday morning, search and rescue teams based in Surabaya reported that four bodies had been retrieved from the waters, and 23 survivors were plucked from the ocean amidst waves exceeding six feet. As family members anxiously awaited news at the Banyuwangi port in East Java, multiple boats and local fishermen joined extensive search operations to locate the missing.
Sadly, ferry incidents are not uncommon in Indonesia, which includes over 17,000 islands. This particular tragedy marks the second ferry sinking off Bali within a month, raising further alarms about safety protocols in the region’s maritime travel. Last year alone, Bali attracted over six million international tourists, making it crucial for local authorities to address these ongoing safety concerns to secure the welfare of travelers and residents alike.
As developments unfold, the community remains hopeful for the safe return of those still missing at sea.
