Rescue Operations Underway After Indonesian Ferry Sinks En Route to Bali
Date: July 3, 2025
A ferry carrying 65 people sank late Wednesday night while traveling from Java to the popular Indonesian resort island of Bali, prompting a large-scale rescue operation amid challenging weather conditions. At least six people have been confirmed dead, and dozens remain missing as rescuers scour the waters for survivors.
The vessel, identified as the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, departed from Banyuwangi port in East Java province, carrying 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles. The ferry sent a distress call at approximately 11:20 pm local time and submerged roughly 15 minutes later. The Indonesian transport ministry confirmed all those onboard were Indonesian nationals.
Rescue Efforts and Challenges
The East Java rescue agency reported that 35 survivors have been located so far. Efforts to find additional survivors continue despite difficulties posed by rough seas, strong currents, and winds. Overnight, waves reached heights of up to two meters (approximately 6.5 feet).
Nanang Sigit, head of the Surabaya search and rescue team, explained that the ferry is now fully submerged, which raises concerns that some passengers may still be trapped inside. Currently, rescuers are concentrating their efforts on searching the water’s surface. The operation involves a helicopter, 15 boats, and local fishermen assisting in the search.
Many survivors were found unconscious after enduring hours in the turbulent sea. Rama Samtama Putra, chief of the Banyuwangi police force, stated that those rescued were promptly transferred to nearby medical facilities, including the Jembrana regional hospital in Bali.
Survivors’ Accounts
Among the survivors, Supardi recounted his experience from a hospital bed. He said that as the ferry began to tilt, he contemplated jumping into the sea but the vessel quickly sank before he could. He described climbing to the top of the partially submerged ferry after water had filled it to about seven meters deep. Supardi and three others banded together in the water, staying afloat using life jackets.
Another survivor, Eka Toniansyah, told reporters that the ferry "tilted and immediately sank." Sadly, he reported that his father was among those who perished in the accident.
Investigations and Response
Authorities are investigating the cause of the sinking. Survivors indicated that a leak may have developed in the ferry’s engine room. Additionally, Teddy Indra Wijaya, Indonesia’s cabinet secretary, cited bad weather as a contributing factor.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who is currently on an official trip to Saudi Arabia, has ordered an immediate emergency response to the disaster.
Context on Ferry Safety in Indonesia
Ferries are a critical means of transportation connecting Indonesia’s more than 17,000 islands. However, concerns over safety remain persistent, with issues such as vessel overloading and inadequate life-saving equipment frequently highlighted.
This sinking follows a recent ferry incident last month when another ferry capsized off Bali after being struck by a strong wave. In that case, all 89 people onboard were rescued.
The national search and rescue agency continues its efforts to locate any remaining survivors as investigations proceed into the tragic sinking of the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya.
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Reporting by Rebecca Ratcliffe and agencies including Agence France-Presse and Associated Press
The Guardian
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