Six dead, dozens missing after ferry sinks off Bali

Near Indonesia's tourist island of Bali, a ferry carrying 65 people sank late Wednesday night, local time, leaving at least six dead and dozens missing.

The KMP Tunu Pra-tama Jaya ferry, carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew members, as well as 12 vehicles, sank around 11:20 PM, almost 30 minutes into the five-kilometer Bali Strait crossing, after reportedly suffering engine failure and an engine-room leak.

Rescue efforts continued through Thursday in the rough seas, with 31 people saved but dozens still unaccounted for.

On Thursday evening, rescue operations were temporarily halted due to strong currents, high waves, and limited visibility.

President Prabowo Subianto has ordered a full emergency response, while investigators examine the cause of the accident and whether unlisted passengers were onboard.

Indonesia experiences frequent maritime disasters due to its reliance on ferries and lax safety regulations.