Has the Search for 17 Missing Victims of Bali Strait Shipwreck Been Extended?
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Synopsis
The search for the 17 missing victims from the tragic shipwreck in the Bali Strait continues, now extended for another week. With challenging underwater conditions, the authorities employ advanced technology to aid in the recovery efforts. Will they find the missing passengers?
Key Takeaways
- Search for missing victims extended for another week.
- 30 passengers rescued; 18 bodies recovered.
- Advanced technology, including ROVs, being deployed.
- Challenges include strong underwater currents.
- Search areas expanded to Gilimanuk and Banyuwangi waters.
Jakarta, July 15 (INAS) The search efforts for 17 missing individuals from a passenger vessel that sank in Indonesia's Bali Strait on July 2 have been prolonged, as stated by Ribut Eko Suyanto, Deputy for search and rescue operations at the National Search and Rescue Agency.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Suyanto confirmed that the operation would continue for an additional seven days.
"The wreckage of the ship, which was identified through Indonesian Navy cameras, is the reason for extending our search and rescue activities," he remarked.
Currently, the joint rescue team has successfully evacuated 30 passengers and recovered 18 bodies, while 17 individuals are still unaccounted for, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Suyanto mentioned that in addition to examining the wreckage, the search will expand into the waters surrounding Gilimanuk Seaport in Jembrana Regency, Bali, and also in the areas off Banyuwangi Regency in East Java Province.
On July 11, Suyanto indicated that the initial search was concentrated on the southern part of the strait, after local fishermen reported discovering several items believed to be parts of the sunken vessel.
Meanwhile, Soerjanto Tjahjono, head of the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT), noted that strong underwater currents in the strait present considerable challenges. Nevertheless, the KNKT is working on deploying a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to assess the wreck's condition.
"We are committed to deploying the ROV. Once we ascertain the state of the vessel—whether it is upright, tilted, or lying on the seabed—we will evaluate if divers can safely access it," he stated.
The vessel, which was transporting 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles, sank in the Bali Strait while en route from Ketapang Seaport in Banyuwangi to Gilimanuk Seaport.
Point of View
The ongoing search operation reflects the nation's commitment to recovering missing individuals and providing closure to families affected by this tragedy. The use of advanced technology showcases the expertise of our rescue teams, striving to overcome the challenges posed by nature.
NationPress
23/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the shipwreck in Bali Strait?
The exact cause of the shipwreck is still under investigation, but it occurred while the vessel was en route from Ketapang to Gilimanuk.
How many people were on board the ship?
The ship was carrying a total of 53 passengers, along with 12 crew members and 22 vehicles.
What is being done to locate the missing victims?
Search efforts have been extended for another week, with a focus on the wreckage and surrounding waters, using advanced technology like remotely operated vehicles.
How many victims have been rescued so far?
So far, 30 passengers have been rescued, and 18 bodies have been recovered.
What challenges are rescuers facing in the search?
Strong underwater currents in the strait pose significant challenges for the rescue operations.
