Bali ferry disaster: Two dead, dozens missing after boat sinks after engine room leak

Four people are dead and 38 are still missing after a ferry capsized off the coast of Bali.

A distress call was made from the vessel, KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew, about 11.20pm on Wednesday.

The ferry was found overturned and drifting about 12.22am on Thursday.

Banyuwangi Police Chief Rama Samtama Putra said 23 people had been rescued, many of them unconscious after drifting in choppy waters for hours.

It was only half an hour into its 50km journey from Ketapang Port in East Java to Gilimanuk Port in Bali when tragedy struck.

The vessel reportedly suffered a leak which led to complete engine failure, forcing it to capsize in two-metre-high seas.

Four of the survivors are believed to have saved themselves by using the ferry’s lifeboat.

A search is still underway for the remaining passengers and crew.

The boat’s manifest suggests there were no foreigners on board at the time of the disaster, The Australian reports.

Nine boats, including two tug boats and two inflatable boats have been searching for the missing people since Wednesday night, battling waves up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) high in the overnight darkness.

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said the Australian Government offered its sincere condolences to those impacted by the ferry accident in the Bali Strait.

“The Consulate-General in Bali is receiving regular updates. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

Ferry tragedies are common in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, where ferries are often used as transport and safety regulations can lapse.

Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135, or +61 2 6261 3305 (if calling from overseas).

— with AP