What is the latest death toll from the Bali Strait ship sinking?
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Synopsis
The tragedy in Indonesia's Bali Strait continues to unfold as the death toll from the ship sinking reaches 15. With 20 individuals still missing, search efforts are ongoing amid challenging weather conditions. This incident raises crucial questions about maritime safety in the region.
Key Takeaways
- The death toll has reached 15 from the Bali Strait ship tragedy.
- 20 people remain missing as search efforts continue.
- Severe weather conditions are complicating rescue operations.
- Investigations are underway regarding the ship's seaworthiness and emergency procedures.
- Government officials have emphasized the need for safety reform.
Jakarta, July 10 (NationPress) The number of fatalities from a passenger vessel sinking in Indonesia's Bali Strait has tragically increased to 15 as of Thursday, with ongoing efforts to locate 20 individuals who are still unaccounted for, according to a local official.
Today, two bodies were recovered, along with another found on Wednesday evening, raising the total fatalities to 15, as reported by Novita Nirmala, a senior representative from the East Java Search and Rescue Office, to the Xinhua news agency.
The wooden vessel was making its way from Ketapang seaport in Banyuwangi regency, East Java province, to Gilimanuk seaport in Jembrana regency, Bali Island, when it sank shortly before midnight on July 2.
In response to the incident, Indonesian rescue authorities initiated a combined Search and Rescue (SAR) operation following the sinking of the KM Tunu Pratama Jaya ferry, which was transporting 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles when it met its fate in the waters separating Java and Bali islands.
Rescue operations were conducted from both Bali Island and East Java, given that the incident took place near the maritime border of these two regions.
Severe weather conditions have presented substantial obstacles to the rescue missions, with visibility fluctuating from 10 kilometers down to just 3 kilometers at times, waves soaring to 2.5 meters, and strong winds affecting the area.
The investigation by Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) is concentrating on several critical aspects, including whether the correct procedures were followed for the vessel's departure, the seaworthiness of the KM Tunu Pratama Jaya, the adequacy of its documentation, and the handling of the emergency response during the accident.
Furthermore, the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has issued warnings regarding the potential for extreme weather following this tragic maritime event.
On July 3, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto instructed the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) to expedite the rescue of passengers and crew from the inter-island ferry, which sank due to inclement weather.
According to Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, the President issued this directive while in Saudi Arabia, where he was engaged in the Umrah pilgrimage and conducting an official visit.
Point of View
My perspective remains aligned with the nation's commitment to transparency and accountability. The growing death toll from this maritime disaster underscores the pressing need for rigorous safety measures in our waters. While our thoughts and prayers are with the victims' families, we must ensure that investigations lead to actionable reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
NationPress
09/09/2025
