Six people have now been confirmed dead, and dozens more are still missing, after a ferry sunk off the coast of Bali.
Indonesian rescuers have temporarily halted the search as of Thursday night (local time) due to a “visibility problem”, the head of East Java rescue agency Nanang Sigit told Reuters. 29 people had been rescued so far.
Sigit said the operation would resume on Friday, with more than 160 rescuers including police and military personnel deployed to conduct the search backed by four vessels and several helicopters.
The ferry is believed to have been carrying a total of 53 passengers and 12 crew members. Many of those rescued were unconscious after drifting in choppy waters for hours, Banyuwangi police chief Rama Samtama Putra said.
The vessel, en route from Ketapang Port in East Java to Gilimanuk Port in Bali, reportedly suffered a critical leak in its engine room, leading to a complete power failure and eventual capsizing.
The National Search and Rescue Agency said in a statement that the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya sank almost half an hour after leaving East Java’s Ketapang port. At about 4.30pm on Wednesday local time it was hit from behind by a wave, causing it to take on water. The ferry was bound for Bali’s Gilimanuk port, a 50-kilometre (30-mile) trip.
According to local media, the ferry transmitted a distress signal at 12:16am local time last night, and a nearby ferry tried to reach the boat to help. Despite swift response efforts, the vessel was found overturned and drifting southward by 12:22am.
While it’s often overlooked by tourists focused on other parts of Bali, Gilimanuk offers a unique experience with its cultural richness and proximity to the West Bali National Park. Although not one of the tourist hot spots on the island, it’s certainly one of the cheapest places to be in Bali.
The transport ministry has said that all the passengers were Indonesian.The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is continuing to engage with local authorities.
Ferry safety in Bali
Ferry tragedies are common in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, where ferries are often used as transport and safety regulations can lapse.
Following the capsizing of a tourist ferry in Bali, here’s how you can protect your guests
This latest incident comes less than a month after a tourist boat carrying 89 people capsized off the the island of Nusa Lembongan in Bali. Fortunately that incident occurred while the boat was still close to shore, and all passengers were safely evacuated.
In March this year, a tourist boat capsized in heavy seas, killing Canberra woman Anna Blight and injuring two other Australians. And in 2023 a small ferry capsized near Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, killing at least 15 people.
Natalie Ball, director of Comparetravelinsurance.com.au, told Travel Weekly it’s a sobering reminder of how quickly emergencies can unfold when travelling.
“If you’re overseas, it’s critical to reach out to your travel insurer’s emergency assistance team as soon as possible,” Ball said.
“These services operate 24/7 and are equipped to help in a crisis. They can coordinate with hospitals, provide medical advice, assist with language barriers, and keep your loved ones back home informed. Even if you’re unsure whether your expenses are covered, their support can be invaluable in navigating the situation calmly and effectively.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragic ferry accident in Bali.”
