Rescue operations are in full swing off the coast of Bali, Indonesia, following the tragic sinking of a ferry that has left at least four people dead and 38 others unaccounted for. The vessel, which departed from Java carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew members, experienced difficulties soon after setting sail for the popular tourist destination.
The ferry, identified as the KMT Tunu Pratama Jaya, issued a distress call just 20 minutes into its journey, sinking shortly after at approximately 11:35 p.m. local time Wednesday night. As of Thursday morning, rescuers in Surabaya, East Java, had managed to recover the bodies of four individuals from rough seas, while 23 people were rescued from the water.
The search for the remaining missing passengers continues amidst challenging maritime conditions, with waves reportedly reaching heights of six feet. Family members of the missing have gathered anxiously at the Banyuwangi port, seeking updates on their loved ones' fate.
Ferry accidents are unfortunately common in Indonesia, an archipelago comprising over 17,000 islands. This incident marks the second ferry sinking near Bali within a month, as another vessel capsized in early June, with all 89 individuals onboard successfully rescued. Bali remains a favored destination for international tourists, with over six million visitors reported last year.
This is an ongoing story, and updates will continue to unfold as rescue efforts progress.
