GILIMANUK

A ferry from Java approaching Bali’s Gilimanuk Harbour on the northwest coast ran aground early on Saturday morning, stranding passengers for around nine hours, passengers said.

The Prawita Ferry had departed Ketapang Harbour at Banyuwangi in East Java at 1:30am on Saturday and shortly before completing the short crossing of the Bali Strait ran aground, they said.

Passengers said there was panic on board the vessel when it stopped moving amid a dark night. No explanation was given by the ship’s captain, they said.

A boat was dispatched from Gilimanuk but was unable to provide assistance. Harbour officials then sent a tugboat to re-float the vessel.

The ferry arrived at Gilimanuk around 10am.