Jakarta: At least four people have been confirmed dead and around 30 others remain missing after a ferry capsized in rough seas on its way to the popular Indonesian tourist island of Bali, rescue authorities reported on Friday.
The vessel, which had 65 people on board including passengers and crew, sank just before midnight local time (1520 GMT) while en route from Java, Indonesia’s most populous island. According to officials, the ferry went down swiftly, giving little time for those aboard to react.
Search and rescue operations began immediately, with divers and boats deployed in a race against time. Rescue teams have so far saved 31 people, but hopes are dwindling for those still unaccounted for.
“We are doing everything we can to locate the missing,” said a spokesperson from Indonesia’s Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas). “The weather is still challenging, but we are continuing our efforts.”
A survivor who spoke to local reporters described the chaos as the vessel was battered by towering waves and strong winds. “It was dark and people were screaming. We tried to hold onto anything that would float,” he said, adding that most passengers were Indonesian nationals. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any foreign nationals were on board.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya cited “bad weather” as the likely cause of the tragedy. However, maritime accidents are common in Indonesia due to factors including aging vessels, poor safety protocols, and unpredictable weather conditions.
Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, relies heavily on sea transport, and accidents like these have sadly become all too familiar.
