Ferry Sinks Between Java and Bali in Indonesia... 4 Dead, Dozens Missing

Search Hampered by Severe Weather
Of 65 Aboard, 4 Dead and 31 Rescued

Indonesian search and rescue agency personnel are conducting a search at dawn on the 3rd to rescue passengers of a ferry that sank in the Ketapang sea area, East Java Province, Indonesia. Photo by Xinhua News Agency

A passenger ferry traveling between Java and Bali in Indonesia sank just 30 minutes after departure, leaving dozens missing and prompting search and rescue authorities to launch operations.

According to Indonesia's Antara News Agency and other sources on July 3, the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya ferry departed from Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi, East Java Province, and was headed for Gilimanuk Port on Bali Island. The vessel sank at approximately 11:20 p.m., less than 30 minutes after departure. There were 53 passengers and 12 crew members on board, along with 22 vehicles. The Indonesian search and rescue agency has been conducting rescue operations throughout the night. As of the afternoon of July 3, Singapore's CNA reported that "at least four people have died and 31 have been rescued," adding that "dozens remain missing."

There has been no official announcement regarding the nationalities of the passengers, but according to a list broadcast by the MetroTV news channel, there were no foreign nationals among those on board.

According to local media, there was a leak in the engine room before the vessel sank, and a mayday distress call was made due to engine failure requesting emergency assistance.

Search authorities stated that "the crew sent a distress signal shortly after the vessel departed," explaining that search operations are being hampered by rough seas with waves reaching 2.5 meters and severe weather conditions.