Tragedy struck the waters between Banyuwangi and Bali on 2 July when a ferry sank, leaving at least four people dead and 38 others unaccounted for as search and rescue efforts intensify. According to ferry manifest data, 65 passengers and crew were onboard the ill-fated vessel, which was also transporting 22 vehicles, including 14 heavy trucks.
The vessel, identified as the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, sank roughly 25 minutes after it departed Banyuwangi port, as reported by Indonesia’s Surabaya search and rescue agency. The sinking occurred around 11:20pm local time, and initial rescue operations were launched immediately with the deployment of nine boats, including two tugboats and two inflatable craft.
Lifeboats Used by Survivors in Initial Hours
By early morning on 3 July, four survivors had managed to reach safety using one of the ferry’s lifeboats. Rama Samtama Putra, police chief of Banyuwangi, confirmed that 23 people had been rescued, four were confirmed dead, and dozens more remained missing as of 7:50am. Reports from Antara and Kompas indicate that the survivors were found floating in the Bali Strait, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive maritime safety measures in Indonesian waters.
A larger search and rescue vessel was later dispatched from Surabaya to bolster the mission. Top Indonesian officials noted that bad weather was the primary cause of the disaster. Cabinet secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya announced that President Prabowo Subianto, currently on a trip to Saudi Arabia, had ordered immediate emergency response measures upon being informed.
Ongoing Search Efforts and Potential for Unregistered Passengers
The Malay Mail reported that authorities are assessing whether there may have been more people on board than indicated in the ferry’s manifest—a critical factor in the rescue operation. This possibility has raised concerns about gaps in passenger manifest accuracy, which can delay or hinder search efforts in emergencies.
The ferry tragedy highlights the necessity of travel insurance and emergency preparedness for travellers in the region. Incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of sea travel and the importance of robust enforcement of safety protocols. Maritime authorities continue to comb the waters, with efforts expected to continue until every missing person is accounted for.
Government and Families Await Updates
As the search continues, families of passengers await news of their loved ones, while maritime officials coordinate across multiple agencies to gather accurate information on the number of people onboard. The disaster also prompted scrutiny over whether the ferry was adequately equipped with safety measures and whether weather warnings were properly issued and heeded.
Authorities have pledged to conduct a full investigation once the search concludes to determine accountability and to improve ferry safety standards in one of the world’s busiest archipelagos. As of the time of writing, hopes remain high for locating additional survivors among those still missing.