At least four people have reportedly lost their lives, and many remain missing after a ferry capsized off the coast of Bali, Indonesia. The vessel, which was en route from Banyuwangi on Java's eastern coast to Bali, experienced difficulties before it sank at around 23:20 local time (15:35 GMT) on Wednesday, according to the Surabaya office of the National Search and Rescue Agency.
There were 53 passengers and 12 crew members aboard the ferry when it sank, and rescuers managed to locate four survivors on a lifeboat during the early hours of Thursday. Images released by Antara news agency depicted ambulances ready to assist and anxious family members awaiting news of their loved ones along the roadside.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Reports from the ferry operator indicated that the vessel had encountered engine issues just prior to sinking. This route is a common passage for locals traveling between the islands of Java and Bali. According to the Surabaya search and rescue team, the four individuals rescued were all residents of Banyuwangi.
Marine accidents are sadly frequent in Indonesia, an extensive archipelago of about 17,000 islands, where the uneven application of safety regulations raises significant concerns. Notably, an Australian woman tragically died in March after a separate boating accident near Bali involving 16 individuals.
