JAKARTA, Indonesia — Rescuers are engaged in a desperate search for 43 missing individuals after a ferry carrying 65 people sank near Bali, Indonesia. The incident occurred late Wednesday, shortly after the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya departed from East Java’s Ketapang port, en route to Bali’s Gilimanuk port, according to the National Search and Rescue Agency.
The ferry, which was carrying 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles, including 14 trucks, sank approximately 30 minutes into its journey. The search operation, involving nine boats, has been ongoing since Wednesday night, with rescuers facing challenging conditions, including waves reaching up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) high.
Rescue Efforts and Challenges
As of Thursday, two bodies have been recovered, and 20 people have been rescued, many found unconscious after enduring hours in the choppy waters. Banyuwangi police chief Rama Samtama Putra reported that the survivors were in a critical state when found, highlighting the perilous conditions they faced.
Rescue teams, including two tug boats and two inflatable boats, are continuing their search efforts despite the challenging sea conditions. The operation is focused on locating the missing individuals, with hopes of finding more survivors diminishing as time passes.
Indonesia’s Troubled Waters
This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the frequent ferry disasters that occur in Indonesia, an archipelago comprising more than 17,000 islands. Ferries are a common mode of transportation in the region, but safety regulations are often inadequately enforced, leading to numerous accidents.
According to maritime safety expert Dr. Andi Wijaya, “Indonesia’s ferry safety standards need urgent reform. The combination of overloading, poor maintenance, and inadequate safety protocols often leads to these tragic outcomes.”
Ferry tragedies are common in Indonesia, where ferries are often used as transport and safety regulations can lapse.
Historical Context and Safety Concerns
Indonesia has a long history of ferry accidents, with the most notable being the sinking of the MV Senopati Nusantara in 2006, which resulted in over 400 fatalities. Such incidents have prompted calls for stricter safety measures and better oversight of ferry operations.
Despite these calls, improvements have been slow. The International Maritime Organization has repeatedly urged Indonesia to enhance its maritime safety standards, but challenges persist due to the vast geography and the economic reliance on ferry transportation.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Reform
The sinking of the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive maritime safety reforms in Indonesia. Experts argue that without significant changes, such tragedies will continue to occur.
As the search for the missing continues, the Indonesian government faces mounting pressure to address the systemic issues plaguing its ferry industry. The focus now shifts to implementing effective safety protocols and ensuring that ferry operators adhere to stringent safety standards.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the fate of the missing individuals and in shaping the future of Indonesia’s maritime safety policies. The nation and the families of those affected await news with bated breath, hoping for a resolution to this latest maritime tragedy.