Ongoing hunt for the missing in fishing tragedy near Bali
In a tragic turn of events, a ferry carrying 65 passengers and crew members sank within minutes of departing from a Java port on Wednesday evening (local time), off the coast of Bali Strait. The accident has raised concerns about maritime safety in Indonesia, a country with a history of ferry accidents due to poor maintenance, overloading, and unpredictable weather.
According to reports, the ferry sent a distress signal approximately 20 minutes after setting sail. Witnesses described the ferry losing power before capsizing, about 2.7 kilometers from Ketapang Port. The ferry was heavily laden with trucks, which slid to one side due to the immense waves, causing the ship to lose its balance and capsize.
Bejo Santoso, a survivor, stated that the waves became stronger soon after departure and caused the ship to list heavily to the left and capsize. Santoso also mentioned that the ship sank so quickly that the crew did not have time to give passengers instructions before the ship went under.
As of the evening of July 4, 2025, 30 people have been found alive, and six bodies have been recovered and transported to Negara Regional Hospital in Jembrana Regency for identification. A total of 29 individuals remain missing. Most survivors either swam to shore or were rescued by local fishermen, with many found along Bali’s southern coast.
Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities and investigators work at the scene and examine the vessel’s maintenance and operational records. The search involves ships, boats, specialized rescue divers, and helicopters. Ribut Eko Suyatna of the national agency Basarnas stated that there is a "golden time frame" of three days for rescues at sea, in the mountains, or in forests.
Indonesia heavily relies on ferry transportation, being a country of over 17,000 islands. The accident serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues with maritime safety in the world's largest archipelagic state. The search for survivors is being hampered by strong currents and high waves, but efforts will continue for at least seven days.
The accident has once again brought attention to the need for improved maritime safety measures in Indonesia. The authorities have vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident and to implement measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Politics and general news are discussing the recent ferry accident off the coast of Bali Strait, shedding light on the ongoing concerns about maritime safety in Indonesia, a country with a history of ferry accidents. Crime and justice are investigating the cause of the accident, while war-and-conflicts may not be directly related, but the safety of the public is at stake. Accidents like these highlight the importance of addressing these issues proactively to prevent future tragedies and ensure safer transportation for the citizens of Indonesia.
