At least four people have died and 30 remain missing after a ferry sank late Wednesday night during a routine crossing from East Java to northern Bali. The vessel, carrying 65 people and 22 vehicles, went down shortly after leaving the port of Banyuwangi, according to Indonesia’s national search and rescue agency.

The ferry, identified as KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, departed from Katapang Port in East Java and was headed to Gilimanuk in Bali, a short route typically completed in about an hour. Rescue teams managed to recover 31 survivors from the sea during overnight operations, while efforts to locate others continued Thursday morning with the support of helicopters.

“The ferry listed and sank almost immediately,” said Eka Toniansyah, one of the survivors, who was treated at a hospital in Bali. “Most of the passengers were Indonesian. I was with my father he didn’t make it.”

Strong winds, high currents, and waves as tall as 2.5 meters complicated search and rescue operations, according to local rescue director Nanang Sigit. Initial reports suggested up to 38 people were unaccounted for, but updated figures placed the number at 30.

The vessel was also carrying 14 trucks among its 22 onboard vehicles. Authorities have not confirmed whether any foreign nationals were on board.

President Prabowo Subianto, who is currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, ordered emergency response teams to be deployed immediately, according to Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.

Poor weather conditions have been blamed for the sinking, which occurred just 25 minutes after departure.

Maritime accidents are not uncommon in Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, where lax safety standards and aging vessels are often cited as contributing factors. In March, another boat capsized in rough seas off the coast of Bali, resulting in the death of one Australian national. In 2018, more than 150 people died when a ferry sank in Lake Toba on Sumatra Island. In 2022, a ferry carrying over 800 passengers ran aground in Nusa Tenggara and remained stuck for two days before being freed. No injuries were reported in that incident.

Authorities continue to monitor the area and have expanded the search radius based on water currents. Travelers are advised to check updates from official transport agencies and exercise caution when crossing during unstable weather conditions.