A passenger ferry sank late Wednesday night off the coast of Bali, Indonesia, killing at least four people and leaving many others missing.
The ferry was carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew members when it went down during a routine trip between Java and Bali.
The disaster occurred around 11:20 p.m. local time. Rescue officials say engine trouble may have caused the boat to capsize and sink.
Search teams have rescued 29 people so far. But rough seas and nightfall have slowed efforts to reach the rest.
Rescue Teams Race Against Time
“We are doing everything we can to locate the missing individuals,” said a spokesperson for Basarnas, Indonesia’s national search and rescue agency.
Emergency teams have deployed rescue boats and are combing the sea near the sinking site. Photos show ambulances lined along the coast and worried families waiting for updates.
Authorities say the ferry was en route from Banyuwangi in East Java to Gilimanuk Port in Bali. Many of the survivors are believed to be residents of Banyuwangi.
President Prabowo Subianto, currently in Saudi Arabia, has ordered an all-out emergency response.
“The safety of our citizens is paramount. I have instructed the relevant agencies to intensify rescue operations without delay,” he said in a statement.
Safety Questions Surround Indonesia’s Ferries
The ferry operator confirmed that the crew had reported engine problems shortly before the vessel went under. Officials are now examining maintenance records and looking into possible safety violations.
This stretch of water is one of the busiest in Indonesia, linking the islands of Java and Bali for workers, traders, and tourists. Sadly, the route has a history of accidents due to ageing ferries and poor safety enforcement.
Earlier this year, an Australian tourist drowned when a smaller boat capsized off Bali, triggering renewed public outcry.
Indonesia, home to more than 17,000 islands, struggles with maritime safety. Experts say many vessels operate beyond capacity and lack regular inspection.
As the search continues, hope fades for those still missing. Families across Java and Bali are waiting anxiously, praying for news of survival.
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