Passenger Ship Capsizes Off East Java Coast, Leaving 1 Dead & Another Missing

A passenger ship capsized off the coast of East Java on December 8, 2024, killing one person and leaving another missing. 49 others were rescued after the vessel sank in the rough waters near Situbondo Regency.

The wooden ship, Kapal Layar Motor Fajar Lorena, was travelling from a seaport in Sumenep Regency to Situbondo when it went down around 1:10 p.m. local time.

According to Muhamad Hariyadi, the head of East Java’s search and rescue office, the ship was carrying 51 people when the incident occurred.

The rescue operation began immediately, with around 50 personnel from a joint rescue team working to save the passengers. While 49 people were rescued safely, one person was confirmed dead, and another is still missing.

Hariyadi said the search for the missing individual is ongoing and efforts are being made to recover the body of the deceased.

Video Credits: Okezone/YouTube

The cause of the sinking is believed to be extreme weather conditions, including strong waves and heavy rainfall, which have been a threat to maritime travel in the region.

Hariyadi explained that the weather played a major role in the incident, saying “The waves were very large, and the weather conditions were poor at the time.”

Before the tragedy, Indonesia’s meteorology, climatology, and geophysics agency had issued warnings about severe weather conditions, forecasting large waves and heavy rains that could pose risks to ships in the area.

Rescue teams are continuing their efforts to locate the missing person, and officials are monitoring the situation closely as they work to prevent further incidents in the region.

Authorities are asking travellers to stay cautious as the weather remains unpredictable.

References: Xinhua, Borneo Bulletin