Bali Strait Shipwreck Search Extended as 17 Remain Missing

Hope Fades for Victims of July 2 Disaster

The extensive hunt for 17 individuals still unaccounted for after a passenger ship capsized in Indonesia’s Bali Strait on July 2 has been prolonged. Officials confirmed the decision follows the identification of the vessel’s wreckage.

Rescue Efforts Intensified

The National Search and Rescue Agency has officially extended the operation for an additional seven days. Ribut Eko Suyanto, the agency’s deputy for search and rescue operations, announced the continuation of the vital mission.

“The wreckage of the ship, identified by Indonesian Navy cameras, serves as the basis for extending the search and rescue efforts.”

—Ribut Eko Suyanto, Deputy for Search and Rescue Operations, National Search and Rescue Agency

So far, a coordinated rescue team has successfully pulled 30 survivors from the water and recovered 18 bodies. Despite these efforts, 17 people are still missing, underscoring the severity of the incident.

Expanded Search Zones

The focus of the search will now broaden to include the waters surrounding Gilimanuk Seaport in Jembrana Regency, Bali. Additionally, efforts will continue off the coast of Banyuwangi Regency in East Java province, areas believed to be significant due to the ship’s last known trajectory.

The ill-fated vessel was carrying a significant load, including 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles. It sank while en route from Ketapang Seaport in Banyuwangi to Gilimanuk Seaport when it entered the Bali Strait.

Maritime disasters highlight the critical need for robust safety measures. For instance, in 2023, the International Maritime Organization reported a 10% decrease in shipping accidents compared to the previous year, a positive trend attributed to improved regulations and technology (IMO, 2023).