Six drown, 30 go missing after ferry sinks on way to Bali – World
Tragedy Strikes as Ferry Capsizes Near Bali
DENPASAR: A tragic ferry accident near Bali has claimed at least six lives, with dozens still unaccounted for. The vessel, carrying 65 passengers and crew members, sank in rough seas while traveling from Java to the popular resort island late Wednesday night. As rescue efforts continue, authorities have confirmed that 29 survivors have been rescued from the water.
Search and Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate the 30 individuals still missing after the ferry capsized in turbulent waters. Survivor Eka Toniansyah recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “The ferry tilted and immediately sank.” Tragically, he confirmed that his father was among the deceased. The national search and rescue agency reported that a three-year-old boy was also found dead on Thursday evening, bringing the confirmed death toll to six.
Initially, the head of the Java-based Surabaya search and rescue agency, Nanang Sigit, reported five fatalities and 29 individuals missing. In response to the disaster, President Prabowo Subianto, currently in Saudi Arabia, has ordered an immediate emergency response. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya attributed the accident to “bad weather,” which has complicated rescue efforts.
Rescue operations faced significant challenges due to waves reaching heights of 2.5 meters (8 feet) and strong winds. However, conditions have improved, allowing teams to deploy inflatable rescue boats and a larger vessel from Surabaya city. A total of 54 personnel have been mobilized, and a helicopter has been dispatched to assist in the search. The search for the remaining missing individuals was temporarily suspended on Thursday evening but is set to resume on Friday, as officials remain hopeful for more survivors.
