Yes, sadly, another maritime tragedy has struck the waters near Bali.
The passenger ferry named KM Tunu Pratama Jaya sank late Wednesday night in the Bali Strait, while en route from Ketapang Port in East Java to Gilimanuk Port in Bali. Here’s what is known so far:
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
There were confirmed dead: At least 4 people have been confirmed dead. Indonesia SAR rescued: Between 23 and 31 people have been rescued, with 29 to 38 people still missing, as of the latest updates.
Incident Details
The ferry sank around 11:35 p.m. local time on July 2, just 25 minutes after departure.
It was carrying approximately 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles, including 14 trucks. Survivors reported the ferry tilted suddenly and sank quickly, with some managing to escape using lifeboats.
Rescue Challenges
Rough seas, strong currents, and high waves (up to 2.5 meters) have severely hampered rescue operations. A joint task force involving the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the navy, police, and port authorities is actively searching the area.
Ferry accidents are unfortunately common in Indonesia due to its vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands and often lax maritime safety standards. This tragedy follows several others in recent years, including a deadly capsize near Bali in March 2025.
