Ferry with more than 60 people sinks off Bali coast - with four dead

by · Mail Online

Four people have been confirmed dead after a ferry with 65 people on board sank off the coast of Bali.

The vessel, en route from Ketapang Port in East Java to Gilimanuk Port, reportedly suffered a critical leak in its engine room, leading to a complete power failure and eventual capsizing.

According to local media, the ferry transmitted a distress signal at 12:16am on Thursday and a nearby ferry tried to reach the boat to help.

Despite swift response efforts, the vessel was found overturned and drifting southward by 12:22am.

Three passengers and one crew member have been confirmed dead. It is understood at least 29 people, some of whom were unconscious, have been saved so far.

Rescuers believe there were 53 passengers and 12 crew on the ship when it sank, with 32 people still unaccounted for. 

In footage provided to Daily Mail Australia, emergency services can be seen speeding along the dark water to the vessel.

Associated Press reported that nine boats have been searching for the missing people since Wednesday night, battling waves up to 2 metres high.

Family members and relatives of passengers on a ferry in Bali have been anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones after ferry sank off the coast near Ketapang Port 
Four people have been reported dead as emergency responders carry out an hours-long search for passengers after the vessel capsized
Authorities have said 32 people are still unaccounted for as the search continues

The ferry, which was on a 50km trip, is believed to have also been carrying 22 vehicles.

The roll-on/roll-off ferry measures 74m in length overall and 12 metres in width. 

Relatives of those who were on the ferry have been seen crying or distressed as they wait for updates from the hours-long search operation.

While some hugged each other while hoping for news, others could be seen crowding around a phone to speak to a survivor. 

Rescuers are still trying to confirm whether there were more people on board than the ferry’s records showed, the agency AFP has said. 

The tragedy comes almost a month after a tourist boat carrying 89 people capsized off the island of Nusa Lembongan in Bali.

The boat had just set off from Lembongan Village about 4.30pm when it was hit from behind by a wave, causing it to take on water.

Footage showed witnesses rushing to help those trapped on the boat as it tilted and sank further into the sea.

Thankfully the incident happened while the boat was still close to shore, and all passengers were safely evacuated by 6.30pm local time.

Relatives of a survivor from the ferry eagerly crowded around a phone to speak to them
The roll on, roll off ferry is believed to have also been carrying 22 vehicles
The boat had just set off from Lembongan Village to cross the Bali Strait (pictured) at 4.30pm when it was hit from behind by a wave, causing it to take on water

Boat tragedies are not unusual in Indonesia which is formed of more than 17,000 islands.

The ferry crossing was closed last week because of bad weather and huge waves.

Two other ships were swept away by the fierce currents and ran aground in the Bali Strait.

More to come.