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Key Points

A passenger ship has tragically sunk in the Bali Strait, resulting in multiple casualties and missing passengers. President Prabowo Subianto has personally ordered urgent rescue operations from Saudi Arabia. Search and rescue teams are battling strong winds and challenging maritime conditions to save survivors. The incident highlights the ongoing risks in Indonesia's maritime transportation sector.

Key Points: Prez Subianto Orders Urgent Rescue After Indonesia Ship Sinks

  • Wooden vessel KM Tunu Pratama Jaya sank between Java and Bali
  • President orders immediate rescue from Saudi Arabia
  • 23 survivors rescued amid challenging maritime conditions
  • Search teams deployed from Bali and East Java
2 min read

4 dead, 38 missing after ship sinks in Indonesia, Prez Subianto orders immediate rescue

Tragic maritime disaster in Bali Strait claims 4 lives, leaves 38 missing as search and rescue operations intensify

"From the Holy Land, he immediately instructed Basarnas and related agencies to initiate an emergency response - Teddy Indra Wijaya, Cabinet Secretary"

Jakarta, July 3

Four people have been confirmed dead, 38 are missing, and 23 others survived after a passenger ship sank in the Bali Strait of Indonesia early on Thursday, a senior official from the East Java Search and Rescue Office, Tholeb Vatelehan, said on Thursday.

The wooden vessel, KM Tunu Pratama Jaya, was travelling from Ketapang seaport in Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, to Gilimanuk seaport in Jembrana Regency on Bali Island when it went down, according to the official.

"As many as 23 people survived the incident, four were dead, and 38 others remained missing," Vatelehan told Xinhua news agency via phone.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) to immediately rescue the passengers and crew of the inter-island ferry.

Teddy Indra Wijaya, cabinet secretary, stated that the President issued the directive directly from Saudi Arabia, where he is performing the Umrah pilgrimage and undertaking an official visit.

"From the Holy Land, he immediately instructed Basarnas and related agencies to initiate an emergency response and rescue the passengers and crew as quickly as possible," Teddy said on Thursday.

The President emphasised that victim rescue must be the top priority in the emergency operation, Teddy added.

Search and rescue operations have since been launched from both Bali Island and East Java, as the incident occurred near the maritime boundary between the two regions.

I Nyoman Sidakarya, head of the Bali Search and Rescue Office, confirmed the joint efforts.

The Banyuwangi Search and Rescue Office deployed more than 20 personnel, along with a rigid inflatable boat and one additional vessel to assist in the operation, Vatelehan said.

"Strong winds, large waves, and powerful currents are currently hampering the rescue efforts," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
This reminds me of the Kerala boat tragedy last year. Why don't these countries invest in better vessels and safety equipment? So many lives lost unnecessarily. President Subianto's quick response is commendable though.
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Aman W
Wooden vessels in 2024? Seriously? This is criminal negligence. The operators should be held accountable. Hope India's coast guard can assist if needed - we have good experience in maritime rescue operations.
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Priya S
Heartbreaking news. The President responding from Umrah shows his dedication. May Allah help the rescue teams in their mission. We should all learn from such incidents - safety must come before profits.
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Varun X
While the President's response is good, why wasn't there better monitoring of weather conditions? These tourist routes between Bali and Java are busy - they need modern ships with proper safety protocols.
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Nisha Z
As someone who's traveled on similar ferries in Indonesia, this is terrifying. The boats are often overcrowded and safety equipment is minimal. Governments need to prioritize passenger safety over tourism revenue.

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