A ferry carrying 65 people sank Thursday en route to Indonesia's popular Bali island, leaving at least four dead and sparking a desperate search for survivors in the latest maritime tragedy to hit the archipelago nation.
Race Against Time
Local authorities confirmed 23 people had been rescued by Thursday afternoon, with search teams combing waters near Bali's Padang Bai port. The vessel was transporting 53 passengers and 12 crew members along with 22 vehicles when it encountered trouble, according to Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
"Our priority is finding survivors while weather conditions remain favorable," said a local police chief coordinating the operation. The incident highlights persistent transportation safety challenges in Indonesia, where ferries serve as vital links between the nation's 17,000 islands.
Maritime Safety Concerns
This tragedy follows multiple ferry disasters in recent years, including the 2018 sinking of Lake Toba's MV Sinar Bangun that claimed 167 lives. Maritime experts note Indonesia has strengthened safety regulations since 2019, but enforcement remains inconsistent across the vast island chain.
