53 Dead 61 Missing After Ferry Sinks Near Bali Strait

A ferry, the KM Tunu Pratama Jaya, sank near the Bali Strait in Indonesia while traveling from Ketapang in East Java to Gilimanuk on Bali Island, resulting in at least four confirmed deaths and 38 to 61 people missing, with 23 survivors reported. The ferry carried 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles, including trucks. Rescue operations have been launched by Indonesian authorities from both Bali and East Java, but efforts are being hampered by strong winds, large waves up to 2 meters high, and powerful currents. Multiple boats, including tug boats and inflatable vessels, are involved in the search amid challenging conditions. Ferry accidents are common in Indonesia due to its geography and sometimes lax safety regulations. Authorities continue to search for the missing as the tragedy unfolds near a popular tourist destination.