At least four individuals have tragically lost their lives, and dozens remain missing following the capsizing of a ferry off the popular tourist destination of Bali, Indonesia. The incident occurred at approximately 23:20 local time on Wednesday, as the vessel was en route from Banyuwangi on the eastern coast of Java island to Bali. It was carrying a total of 53 passengers and 12 crew members, according to the Surabaya office of the National Search and Rescue Agency.
In the early hours of Thursday, rescue personnel discovered four passengers clinging to a lifeboat, while ongoing efforts aim to locate any other potential survivors. Pictorial evidence from the Antara news agency depicted ambulances on standby and locals standing by the roadside, eagerly awaiting any updates.
Investigations have commenced to determine the cause of the sinking. Reports from the ferry operator have suggested that the vessel experienced engine troubles shortly before it went under. Typically, this ferry route is frequently used by locals traveling between Java and Bali.
According to the Surabaya search and rescue team, all four of the survivors hailed from Banyuwangi. Indonesia, an archipelago comprising around 17,000 islands, has witnessed numerous maritime accidents, largely attributed to the uneven enforcement of safety regulations. In March, an Australian woman lost her life when a boat capsized off Bali, carrying 16 individuals.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cew0yz5xw1no