Maritime Tragedy Near Bali: Ferry Sinks, Dozens Missing
A tragic maritime accident occurred off the coast of the picturesque Indonesian island of Bali, claiming lives and leaving hundreds of people missing and unaccounted for. The disaster unfolded shortly after a passenger ferry sank near the port of Ketapang in East Java, when the vessel, carrying 65 people, went underwater. According to local rescue services and police, 43 individuals are currently unaccounted for at sea. The ferry was carrying 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles, including 14 trucks. Rescue operations managed to save 20 people, many of whom were in critical condition and unconscious after drifting in the turbulent waters for several hours. The rescue efforts, involving nine vessels — including two tugboats and two inflatable boats — continue in darkness, battling waves reaching up to two meters high. Authorities point out that ferry tragedies are unfortunately a common occurrence in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands where ferries serve as the main mode of transportation. Often, safety regulations are not strictly followed, increasing the risk of accidents and tragedies at sea.