Grief-stricken family members gathered early Thursday at Jembrana General Hospital in Bali, Indonesia to identify their loved ones after a passenger ship sank in the Bali Strait.
Among the six people brought to the hospital - two survivors and four deceased - relatives anxiously searched for answers, hoping for a miracle but fearing the worst.
According to Gusti Ayu Ketut Wijayanti, spokesperson for the Search and Rescue Office in Bali, six people were confirmed dead, 24 remain missing and 35 others have survived.
Eva Datu Riska, a family member of one victim, came to the hospital for her cousin.
"The information I received confirmed that my cousin was one of the victims from the sunken ship, which I found out this morning. She worked in the ship's canteen. She has passed away. I'll coordinate with the family first. We'll decide what to do next," she said.
"As of this afternoon, we have received two survivors here at Jembrana General Hospital. They received medical treatment at the hospital. Currently, both patients are in good condition and have been cleared for discharge by the attending doctor. This afternoon, we also received four deceased victims from the shipwreck. Two males and two females. External post-mortem examinations have been conducted. Two of the victims have been identified by their family members and are ready to be taken home," said Gusti Ngurah Putu Adnyana, head of Medical Services from Jembrana General Hospital.
The vessel, Tunu Pratama Jaya Penumpang Motor, was struck by huge waves while sailing along the maritime border between Bali and East Java provinces, said I Nyoman Sidakarya, head of the Search and Rescue Office in Bali.
The ship had departed from a port in Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, and was en route to a port in Gilimanuk village, Jembrana Regency, Bali.
Bereaved families identify relatives from sunken Indonesian ship
Bereaved families identify relatives from sunken Indonesian ship
Bereaved families identify relatives from sunken Indonesian ship
