At least 4 dead, 38 missing after ferry carrying 65 people sinks near Bali
Bali, Indonesia – July 3, 2025
A routine ferry trip turned into a devastating tragedy on Wednesday when a vessel sank between East Java and Bali. The ferry, KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, carried 65 people when it capsized in rough seas. So far, four people have died and 38 remain missing. Authorities are continuing rescue operations.
The ferry left Ketapang Port in East Java and headed for Gilimanuk Harbor in Bali. Not long after departure, it ran into trouble in high waves. The boat tilted and then sank.
23 People Rescued So Far
Search teams have rescued 23 survivors, many of whom clung to debris in the water. The operation began immediately. Helicopters, tugboats, and inflatable boats searched through the night. Fishermen from nearby villages joined the effort without hesitation.
Gede Darmada, head of Bali’s Search and Rescue, shared an update. “We’ve deployed everything we have. Rough seas and strong winds made the night search difficult, but we won’t stop.”
The Route Was Common, the Outcome Was Not
The ferry regularly carried commuters, tourists, and cargo between Java and Bali. On Wednesday, it transported 53 passengers, 12 crew, and 22 vehicles, including trucks and cars.
Survivors described the panic onboard. One man said, “Waves slammed the boat hard. People screamed. Some jumped. I held onto a floating crate for hours.”
Indonesia’s Ferry Safety Still Under Scrutiny
Indonesia relies heavily on sea transport across its 17,000+ islands. Despite that, ferry safety often falls short. Accidents happen frequently, especially during bad weather. Old vessels and weak regulations are a concern.
In 2018, a ferry sank in Lake Toba and killed over 160 people. In 2022, another accident off Sulawesi claimed 26 lives. Though officials have promised reform, progress remains slow.
This incident renews calls for stronger safety rules and regular checks on passenger ships.
Families Wait in Agony
In both Bali and East Java, families gathered at rescue posts and hospitals. Many brought photos of missing relatives and pleaded for updates.
A woman in Ketapang said, “My husband drives a truck. He takes this ferry every week. No one has called me. I just want to know he’s alive.”
Volunteers helped set up food stalls and support tents. Crisis counselors spoke with relatives, offering comfort as the search continued.
Government Responds Swiftly
President Joko Widodo offered condolences and promised full support. He asked the Ministry of Transportation to inspect all similar ferries and investigate this case thoroughly.
“We can’t accept tragedies like this,” he said. “Operators must follow safety rules. The government will hold them accountable.”
Transport officials have temporarily suspended ferry services in the region. They’ve also warned people to avoid non-essential sea travel this week, as bad weather continues.
Acts of Heroism Shine Through
Amid the grief, brave stories have emerged. Some crew members risked their lives to help passengers. One survivor said a sailor returned to the sinking boat several times to pull people out. He didn’t survive the final trip.
Fishermen, too, have earned praise. Many rushed to the scene as soon as they heard the news. They pulled survivors from the water and offered them dry clothes and food.
What Happens Next
Rescue teams are searching non-stop. Every hour matters. While hopes fade with time, officials and volunteers continue to comb the waters around Bali.
This tragedy reminds us all of Indonesia’s ongoing ferry safety crisis. The nation must act quickly to improve oversight and protect future travelers.
For now, the focus remains on finding survivors—and honoring those who didn’t make it.
