Bali: At least five people have died and dozens remain missing after a ferry carrying 65 people sank off the coast of Indonesia’s popular tourist island of Bali late at night, according to the country’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).
The ferry, en route from Banyuwangi on the eastern tip of Java island to Gilimanuk in western Bali, sank at approximately 23:20 local time (15:35 GMT). On board were 53 passengers and 12 crew members. Rescuers have ensured that 31 survivors have been pulled from the water so far, while the search for the remaining individuals is ongoing. Multiple rescue vessels and divers have been deployed to the site.
While the cause of the accident is still under investigation, local media reports cited engine trouble and rough weather conditions as likely factors. One of the officials stated that, “The operator had reported engine trouble just before the vessel sank. But bad weather may have worsened the situation.”
Most of the survivors reportedly come from the coastal town of Banyuwangi, with others hailing from further inland regions of East Java. President Prabowo Subianto, currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, has demanded an immediate emergency response and instructed relevant authorities to intensify the rescue operations.
The ferry route between Java and Bali is among the busiest in Indonesia and is widely used by locals and tourists alike. Photos from state news agency Antara showed ambulances lining the road and anxious residents gathered, waiting for updates.
Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago made up of more than 17,000 islands, has long struggled with maritime safety due to unreliable enforcement of regulations. In March this year, an Australian tourist died after a boat carrying 16 people capsized off the coast of Bali.
Authorities continue to recommend caution as search and rescue operations resume in what are reportedly still choppy sea conditions.
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