Jakarta (VNA) – At least four people died, 23 were rescued, and other 38 cases are still missing after a ferry carrying 65 people sank on the way to the Indonesian island of Bali on the night of July 2, local authorities announced on July 3 morning.
Police chief Rama Samtama Putra of Banyuwangi town in East Java, confirmed the latest figure as of 7:50 am on July 3 (local time).
The search and rescue agency of Indonesia's Surabaya city said the ferry KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya sank at about 11:20 pm on July 2, about 30 minutes after leaving the port of Banyuwangi in East Java province to head to Bali. When the incident happened, there were 53 passengers and 12 ferry crew on board. The ferry was carrying 22 vehicles, including 14 trucks.
The search for the missing people is still being carried out urgently, but is relatively difficult due to strong winds and strong currents.
Ferries are a popular means of transportation in Indonesia as this Southeast Asian country has more than 17,000 islands. However, maritime accidents are common due to lax safety standards. Boats are overloaded without adequate life-saving equipment. In 2023, a ferry capsized near the island of Sulawesi, killing at least 15 people./.
