Six Dead, Dozens Missing After Ferry Sinks Off Bali
At least six people have died and dozens remain missing after a ferry carrying 65 people sank in rough seas off Indonesia’s resort island of Bali late on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. The vessel, identified as KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, was traveling from Ketapang port in East Java to Gilimanuk port in Bali, a route spanning approximately 50 kilometers, when disaster struck just 30 minutes after departure.
Timeline and Rescue Efforts
The ferry, loaded with 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles—including 14 trucks—issued a distress signal at 11:20 p.m. local time. Moments later, the vessel capsized and quickly sank, leaving many passengers little time to react. Survivors described a harrowing scene as high waves battered the ferry, causing it to list sharply before vehicles and passengers were thrown to one side and the ship sank within minutes.
Rescue operations began immediately, with nine boats, two tugboats, and two inflatable crafts deployed overnight, facing waves up to two meters (6.5 feet) high and strong currents. By Thursday evening, authorities confirmed 29 survivors had been pulled from the sea, many found unconscious after hours adrift. Six bodies, including that of a three-year-old boy, have been recovered.
As of Friday, 30 people remain unaccounted for, and the search continues with the support of navy ships, helicopters, and local fishermen. Survivors are receiving treatment at Bali’s Jembrana Regional Hospital, while families of the missing have gathered at Gilimanuk port, anxiously awaiting news.
Investigations and Causes
Initial reports suggest the ferry may have suffered a leak in the engine room, though several survivors believe the primary cause was adverse weather and high waves. Survivor Bejo Santoso recounted, “The high waves hit the ferry several times, causing the vessel to roll to the left… within less than five minutes the ship sank. It all happened so fast that there was not enough time for the crew to issue instructions”. While life jackets were available, only those on the outer deck could reach them in time.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on both mechanical failure and weather conditions. Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, currently abroad, has called for an immediate emergency response.
Ferry accidents are a recurring tragedy in Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands where ferries are a vital but often under-regulated means of transport. Overloading and insufficient safety equipment are persistent issues, contributing to frequent maritime disasters.
This latest incident marks the second ferry sinking near Bali in a month, highlighting ongoing safety challenges despite the region’s popularity with both domestic and international travelers5.
The search for the missing continues, with authorities and families holding out hope for further rescues as investigations proceed.
Photo Credit: BASARNAS OFFICIAL