A ferry named KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, carrying 65 people—including 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles (14 trucks)—sank just hours after departing Ketapang port in East Java en route to Gilimanuk, Bali. The incident unfolded late Wednesday night, approximately 11:20 p.m. local time, likely due to engine failure and a critical leak in the vessel’s engine compartment, which triggered a loss of power and eventual capsizing.
🚨 Current Situation
- Rescued: 29 individuals have been pulled to safety. Many were found unconscious, drifting in rough seas.
- Casualties: Four bodies have been recovered.
- Missing: At least 32 people remain unaccounted for.
- Rescue operations continued through the night despite high waves and darkness, but improved daylight conditions and calmer seas on Thursday allowed authorities to intensify efforts.
Nine rescue vessels—including tugs, inflatables—and local fishermen have been working together in search and salvage efforts.
📌 Official Response
Authorities confirmed the ferry started tilting and lost radio contact before sinking. East Java’s Banyuwangi police chief, Rama Samtama Putra, and teams from the National Search and Rescue Agency are coordinating the ongoing search. President Prabowo Subianto has ordered an emergency response.
🛑 Broader Context
Ferry tragedies are unfortunately common in Indonesia—a vast archipelago heavily dependent on maritime travel. Safety oversights and mechanical issues are recurring concerns. Notably, just last month, a tourist ferry capsized off Nusa Lembongan, though everyone aboard survived.