Banyuwangi, E. Java. The search operation for victims of the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya ferry that sank in the Bali Strait has officially ended on Monday, July 21, after a week-long extension.

The ferry sank on July 2, while crossing the Bali Strait. According to the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the vessel carried 65 people, including 53 passengers and 12 crew members, along with 22 vehicles.

The extended search was conducted with support from the Surabaya SAR Office, Banyuwangi SAR Post, the military and police, and the Banyuwangi Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD). Over the past week, rescue teams faced extreme weather and high waves, which hampered the search efforts.

Nanang Sigit, Head of the Surabaya SAR Office and SAR Mission Coordinator, said Basarnas had led the initial search operation from July 2 to July 14. The responsibility then shifted to regional SAR teams, who continued the search from July 15 to July 21.

“After 20 days, there were no further signs of victims, so in accordance with procedures, we officially ended the SAR operation,” Nanang said during a press conference at Ketapang Port.

During the operation, 49 people were found, including 30 survivors and 19 deceased, four of whom remain unidentified. Based on the passenger manifest, 16 people are still missing and are considered lost.

Nanang said that if signs of victims are found in the future, the SAR operation could be reopened.

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