A ferry carrying 65 passengers sank off Indonesia's East Java coast en route to Bali Island, leaving at least four dead and 23 rescued as of Thursday morning, according to local authorities. Rama Samtama Putra, police chief of Banyuwangi, confirmed the casualty figures to AFP, stating rescue operations remain ongoing.
The vessel sank in waters near the popular tourist destination, with search teams racing against time to locate missing passengers. Maritime accidents remain a concern in Indonesia's archipelago, where ferries serve as vital transportation links between islands. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in maritime safety infrastructure across Southeast Asia.
Bali's status as a global tourism hub adds urgency to the rescue efforts, with travelers and residents alike awaiting updates. Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the sinking, but seasonal weather patterns and overcrowding have previously contributed to similar incidents in the region.
