Rescuers search for missing people after a ferry sank off the coast of Bali, Indonesia on July 3. Photo by XINHUA
According to a senior official from the East Java Search and Rescue Office, Tholeb Vatelehan, the wooden vessel, KM Tunu Pratama Jaya, was traveling from Ketapang seaport in Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, to Gilimanuk seaport in Jembrana Regency on Bali Island when it went down.
"As many as 23 people survived the incident, four were dead, and 38 others remained missing," Vatelehan told Xinhua via phone.
Search and rescue operations have since been launched from both Bali Island and East Java, as the incident occurred near the maritime boundary between the two regions.
I Nyoman Sidakarya, head of the Bali Search and Rescue Office, confirmed the joint efforts.
The Banyuwangi Search and Rescue Office deployed more than 20 personnel, along with a rigid inflatable boat and one additional vessel to assist in the operation, Vatelehan said. "Strong winds, large waves, and powerful currents are currently hampering the rescue efforts," he added.
