Rescue operations are still underway off the coast of Bali. This comes on the heels of the tragic sinking of a ferry that was on an approved route with 53 passengers and 12 crew. The vessel was making the crossing towards Gilimanuk port when it ran into trouble. Authorities confirmed that the incident was the cause of death of four people. Thankfully, search teams from different agencies were able to save 23 other team members.
The ferry took off on a 50-kilometer (30-mile) trip from Banyuwangi to Bali. It was carrying 22 vehicles, including 14 box trucks. When that vessel sank, nine separate boats immediately leaped into action to search for the drowning. To make matters worse, they fought dangerous waters, with waves reaching as high as 2m (6.5ft). For starters, the rescue efforts occurred under heavy darkness of night, which made their task much more dangerous.
Banyuwangi police chief Rama Samtama Putra spoke of a grave condition. Most of the rescued survivors had lost consciousness after drifting for several hours in rough seas. Yet the rescuers had to overcome nightmarish conditions. A difficult sea state due to heavy swells and poor visibility increased their operational difficulty.
On site, the Surabaya Search and Rescue Agency runs the rescue efforts with gusto. They keep in constant communication with local officials, and they continue to spread resources actively searching for those still unaccounted for. The agency has a strong commitment to making waters safe, especially the Great Lakes. Their resolve is being further shown as they have now mobilized two tug boats and two inflatable boats to support the search.
Today, the attention shifts back to finding the other people still missing after this sea tragedy. Now, the community is banding together, providing assistance to the families of the victims and to those who have been rescued.
