At least four were killed and dozens remain unaccounted for after a ferry carrying 65 passengers sank off the coast of Bali, Indonesian authorities confirmed Thursday (July 3).

The vessel, identified as KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, went down shortly after departing from Banyuwangi port in East Java, according to Indonesia’s national search and rescue agency, BASARNAS. 

Rescue teams, deploying nine ships, have managed to save 29 individuals while efforts continue to locate 32 missing passengers.

Officials noted that improving weather and sea conditions were aiding rescue operations. However, many of the survivors were reportedly found unconscious, having spent extended periods adrift.

Relatives of the missing gathered anxiously at the port, some in tears as they awaited updates and searched for news of loved ones.

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, speaking on behalf of President Prabowo Subianto—currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia—confirmed an immediate emergency response had been ordered. 

Preliminary assessments cite severe weather as the likely cause of the incident.

Maritime accidents remain a persistent issue in Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago of more than 17,000 islands. 

Loose regulatory oversight often results in vessels being overloaded and poorly equipped with lifesaving gear.

Source: AL Jazeera

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