Ferry Disaster Near Bali Claims 4 Lives, 38 Missing

Search efforts are underway to locate 38 individuals missing after a tragic ferry accident that left four confirmed dead.

On July 2, 2025, rescuers in Indonesia faced harsh maritime conditions while searching for the 38 missing persons after a ferry sank en route to Bali, a favored tourist escape. The disaster unfolded shortly after the ferry, KMT Tunu Pratama Jaya, departed Java at approximately 11 p.m. local time, carrying 65 souls—53 passengers and 12 crew. Just 20 minutes post-departure, the vessel issued a distress signal before it abruptly sank.

As of Thursday morning, four bodies have been recovered, confirmed by the search and rescue agency in East Java's city of Surabaya. During the night, efforts led to the rescue of 23 people, made possible by over ten boats and local fishermen navigating turbulent seas, with wave heights recorded over six feet. Heartbroken families gathered at Banyuwangi port in East Java, anxiously awaiting news regarding their missing loved ones.

Ferry incidents are unfortunately frequent in Indonesia, an expansive archipelago made up of over 17,000 islands. This accident marks the second ferry disaster near Bali within a single month, following a previous incident where all 89 passengers were ultimately rescued after another ferry capsized.

Bali remains a crucial hub for tourism, with more than six million international travelers visiting the island last year. As the search continues, authorities are committed to finding the missing individuals and preventing further tragedies at sea. This story remains developing and updates will be provided as they emerge.