A ferry en route to Bali sank off the coast of Ketapang, East Java, leaving at least four people dead and 38 others missing late Wednesday night.
The vessel, identified as KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, was carrying 65 people, including 12 crew members and 53 passengers, along with over 20 vehicles.
According to Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency, the ferry began its journey toward Gilimanuk Port in Bali but sank barely 30 minutes after departing Ketapang. Search efforts began immediately, and as of Thursday morning, 23 individuals have been rescued—many found unconscious after drifting for hours in turbulent seas.
“We are deploying all resources despite strong waves and poor nighttime visibility,” said Rama Samtama Putra, the Banyuwangi police chief. The rescue operation involves nine vessels, including tugboats and inflatable crafts, as responders battle waves reaching up to two meters.
Officials have confirmed no foreign nationals were aboard the ferry. Identification of the deceased is underway.
Ferries are a primary mode of transport across Indonesia’s archipelago, which spans more than 17,000 islands. But incidents like this underscore persistent safety concerns in the region’s maritime network. In 2023, a similar incident near Sulawesi claimed 15 lives.
As the nation awaits further updates, rescue teams continue to search for survivors, fueled by hope and urgency amid the challenging sea conditions.
