Four dead, thirty-eight missing after ship sinks

Jakarta

A tragic ship sinking in Indonesia’s Bali Strait early Thursday left four people dead and 38 missing, while 23 passengers survived. The wooden ship, KM Tunu Pratama Jaya, was traveling from Ketapang seaport in East Java to Gilimanuk seaport on Bali Island when it sank suddenly.

Tholeb Vatelehan from the East Java Search and Rescue Office confirmed the numbers and said bad weather made rescue work difficult. Strong winds, big waves, and strong currents are slowing down search efforts. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, currently in Saudi Arabia for Umrah and an official visit, ordered immediate rescue actions.

From abroad, the President instructed the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) and related agencies to focus on saving lives first. “Rescue of victims is the top priority,” Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said.

Search and rescue teams from both Bali and East Java joined forces quickly. The Banyuwangi Search and Rescue Office sent over 20 personnel, a rigid inflatable boat, and an extra vessel to help in the operation.

I Nyoman Sidakarya, head of Bali’s Search and Rescue Office, confirmed that teams were working together, despite harsh sea conditions. Families of the missing passengers are anxiously waiting for updates as rescuers continue to battle dangerous weather.

This tragedy highlights the dangers of sea travel in Indonesia, especially during rough weather. The government has promised to do everything possible to locate and save the missing passengers. Rescue teams are determined to continue their search despite difficult challenges, hoping to find more survivors and bring them back safely.