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They Drifted for Hours…’: Bali-Bound Ferry Disaster Leaves 4 Dead, 38 Missing in Midnight Horror

They Drifted for Hours…’: Bali-Bound Ferry Disaster Leaves 4 Dead. President Prabowo calls for immediate response as survivors recount harrowing escape; 38 still unaccounted for amid stormy seas

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Bali Ferry Sinks: 4 Dead, 38 Missing as Search Teams Battle Stormy Seas
Rescue crews search the dark waters off Bali as hopes fade for 38 missing after ferry disaster.

A routine late-night voyage turned into a nightmare off the coast of Bali as the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya, a ferry transporting dozens of passengers and vehicles, sank in rough waters just 30 minutes after leaving Ketapang Port in East Java. Four people are confirmed dead, and 38 others remain missing as Indonesian search and rescue teams battle fierce currents and wind in an urgent bid to locate survivors.

The vessel, which was en route to Gilimanuk Port on the western tip of Bali—a journey typically covering 50 kilometers—went down just before midnight on Wednesday. The ferry was carrying 65 people in total, including 53 passengers, 12 crew members, and 22 vehicles—many of them large transport trucks, authorities confirmed.

According to a statement from Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the ferry sank suddenly in stormy conditions, with the cause now believed to be “bad weather.”

“We received reports of people floating for hours, unconscious and clinging to hope,” said Rama Samtama Putra, Banyuwangi Police Chief, during an emotional press conference. “Several were pulled from the water barely alive. The conditions were brutal.”

‘They Disappeared in the Dark’

Survivors, many still in shock, recalled the horrifying moment the ferry began listing sharply before plunging into the choppy sea. According to reports, four individuals managed to deploy a lifeboat and were found clinging to it early Thursday morning, while 19 others were rescued from the water, most of them unconscious after drifting for hours.

Nine vessels, including two tugboats and multiple inflatable rescue boats, have been deployed since the incident. Still, rescuers are facing extreme challenges as strong winds and ocean currents batter the search zones.

“It’s a race against time,” said a Basarnas spokesperson. “We’re pushing all our resources out there, but the sea is not cooperating.”

While the official passenger manifest lists 65 individuals, authorities admit the actual number onboard could be higher—a common problem in Indonesia where overcrowding and lax safety enforcement continue to plague the maritime transport sector.

“We’re still checking if more passengers were on board than recorded. This often happens due to poor ticketing controls,” an official noted.

Families in Agony: ‘We Just Want Answers’

Back on shore, a haunting scene played out at Ketapang and Gilimanuk terminals as families of the missing waited in anguish. One woman, her face wet with tears and wrapped in a dusty-pink hijab, clasped her hands tightly in prayer as names were read out by port officials.

We just want answers,” said Agus Hermawan, whose brother was a truck driver on the ferry. “No one is telling us what’s going on. I haven’t slept. I keep thinking—what if he’s still out there?”

National Response Triggered by President

President Prabowo Subianto, currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia, was briefed overnight and immediately ordered a full-scale emergency response. “The president has instructed all relevant ministries and military units to coordinate and assist in the rescue,” said Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.

While the president cited “extreme weather” as the likely cause, a full investigation has been ordered to determine if mechanical failure, overloading, or negligence contributed to the tragedy.

Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago with over 17,000 islands, depends heavily on ferry transportation. However, repeated maritime accidents have raised longstanding concerns about poor enforcement of safety protocols.

In 2023, a small ferry capsized near Sulawesi, leaving 15 people dead. In 2018, over 160 lives were lost when a ferry sank in Lake Toba, one of the deadliest maritime disasters in the country’s modern history.

Rising Questions, Demanding Accountability

Maritime experts have long warned that Indonesia’s ferry systems are overstretched and under-regulated. “Most vessels are overused, under-maintained, and lack sufficient safety gear,” said Yayan Mulyana, a marine transportation analyst based in Jakarta.

He adds, “The same cycle repeats—tragedy strikes, promises are made, then forgotten. Until the next one.”

With no foreign nationals reportedly aboard, the incident remains a domestic tragedy. But the emotional shockwaves are national. Social media platforms have flooded with hashtags like #PrayForKetapang and #FerryTragedy, while calls for reforms grow louder.

For now, the focus remains on the 38 souls still unaccounted for. “We won’t stop searching,” vowed the rescue agency in its latest update.

But with every hour that passes, hope dims in the hearts of waiting families—clinging to every radio update, every phone call, every name read aloud.

World

National Coffee Day 2025 freebies and deals in Kentucky where to score free coffee and doughnuts

From Krispy Kreme to Dunkin’, coffee lovers in Kentucky can celebrate Sept. 29 with free drinks and discounts.

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National Coffee Day 2025 freebies and deals in Kentucky where to get free coffee
Celebrate National Coffee Day 2025 with freebies and discounts at Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’, Circle K, and more across Kentucky.

Coffee fans across Kentucky will have plenty to celebrate this fall. National Coffee Day falls on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, and it will be followed by International Coffee Day on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Several chains and coffee shops are marking the occasion with giveaways, freebies, and limited-time discounts. Here’s a roundup of what you can expect.

National Coffee Day 2025 freebies and deals in Kentucky where to get free coffee


When are National and International Coffee Day?

  • National Coffee Day: Monday, Sept. 29, 2025
  • International Coffee Day: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025

Both days are dedicated to one of the world’s most beloved drinks, and major chains are ready to fuel up their loyal fans.

Coffee Day freebies and deals in Kentucky

Circle K
Customers can grab a free medium hot or iced coffee nationwide through the Circle K app. The offer will appear as a coupon and requires no purchase.

Einstein Bros. Bagels
Rewards members will get a free hot or iced coffee of any size when placing an order online or in-app. Even better — those who take advantage of the National Coffee Day offer will unlock a free daily coffee throughout October.

Dunkin’
Members of the Dunkin’ Rewards program will score a free medium hot or iced coffee through the Dunkin’ app. Limit one per member.

National Coffee Day 2025 freebies and deals in Kentucky where to get free coffee


Krispy Kreme
The sweetest deal of all: from Saturday, Sept. 27 through Monday, Sept. 29, participating Krispy Kreme shops are giving away a free medium hot or iced coffee plus a free doughnut of your choice. No purchase required.

Additionally, fans can grab a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for just $1 with the purchase of any dozen at regular price.

Why it matters

Coffee is more than a drink — it’s a daily ritual. National Coffee Day and International Coffee Day give fans the chance to enjoy their favorite beverage while scoring perks from beloved brands.

Kentucky coffee lovers should check local store participation, as some offers may vary by location.

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Australia

‘Steve Irwin gene’ bravery of slain cop Neal Thompson saluted by 3000 mourners in Melbourne

Family, colleagues, and leaders pay emotional tribute as Detective Leading Senior Constable remembered for fearless spirit and devotion. ‘Steve Irwin gene’ bravery of slain cop Neal Thompson saluted by 3000 mourners in Melbourne

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Steve Irwin gene bravery of slain cop Neal Thompson saluted by 3000 mourners
Uniformed officers formed a guard of honour for Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson at the Victoria Police Academy.

Uniformed officers formed a guard of honour stretching hundreds of metres as Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson was laid to rest at the Victoria Police Academy on Monday. More than 3,000 mourners, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, gathered to farewell the 59-year-old veteran, described by friends as having the “Steve Irwin gene” – fearless, adventurous, and larger than life.

Thompson was one of two officers killed on August 26 while serving a warrant in Porepunkah, about 300km northeast of Melbourne. His death, just days before his retirement, left the police community reeling.


A love story written in uniform

His partner, Sergeant Lisa Thompson, delivered a tearful tribute, recalling how their first shift together at Wangaratta Police Station in 2016 changed her life forever.

“We worked one shift together and it changed the course of my life,” she told the packed chapel. “I had never laughed so much with someone I’d just met.”

Though “opposites in every way,” the couple became “unstoppable” together. Neal, a keen fisherman, hunter, and Essendon Football Club supporter, formed a close bond with Lisa’s children. Every day, he’d greet them with a cheeky: “Hey midget, have you done your push ups?”

Steve Irwin gene bravery of slain cop Neal Thompson saluted by 3000 mourners

Their final weekend together was spent on their farm — working, dining, and gazing at the stars. “Honey, I’m so grateful you taught me to be brave,” Lisa said, vowing to carry forward their shared dreams.


A career built on courage

Joining Victoria Police in 1987, Thompson rose through the ranks, serving at the Major Fraud Squad, the State Crime Squad, and later the Wangaratta Crime Investigation Unit. Colleagues remembered a man who seemed indestructible.

Veteran officer Paul Campbell joked that Neal had already survived being shot, stabbed, rolled in car crashes, and even beaten cancer. “He had also been in 16 police collisions — actually 17, a couple of weeks ago,” Campbell said, drawing bittersweet laughter from the crowd.

Despite his brushes with danger, Neal never lost his humour or determination. “He was the man you called when you needed a crook to talk, or something found in a raid,” said Leading Senior Constable Timothy Doyle, adding: “You went through the door first and I owe you my life for that.”


The adventurer with a fearless streak

Thompson’s mates described him as a thrill-seeker whose courage bordered on reckless. Long-time friend Jason Williams recalled a trip to the Northern Territory two decades ago:

“Out of the blue, he started walking barefoot through the long grass after a king brown snake, dragging six-foot sharks into a 12-foot boat, or jumping waist-deep into waters inhabited by crocodiles.”

It was that wild streak — dubbed the “Steve Irwin gene” — that defined his zest for life, a mix of humour, danger, and unshakable loyalty.

Steve Irwin gene bravery of slain cop Neal Thompson saluted by 3000 mourners

A community in mourning

Photos of Thompson were displayed beside his medals, including the Victoria Police Star, awarded posthumously. His sister Lois Kirk described him as “the golden boy, the adventurer, the protector,” who joked he didn’t need a will because he was “never going to die.”

The service echoed the funeral held days earlier for Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, the second officer killed in the same ambush. De Waart-Hottart’s Belgian parents attended, as did the surviving injured officer.

For many, the tragedy underscored the dangers officers face daily. Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said Thompson had been “robbed of a very well-deserved retirement” after 38 years of dedicated service.


A farewell fit for a hero

The hearse carrying Thompson’s coffin passed under the salute of hundreds of uniformed officers. The silence was broken only by the sound of boots striking pavement and quiet sobs from the crowd.

His legacy now lives on in the stories told by family, colleagues, and friends who saw him not just as a policeman, but as a mentor, partner, and fearless adventurer.

As Australia remembers Neal Thompson, his courage stands as a reminder of the risks carried by those in blue — and of the extraordinary humanity behind the badge.

For more stories like this, Visit our site for more news www.DailyGlobalDiary.com.

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World

UK hits Kyrgyz banks and $9.3B crypto network tied to Russia President Japarov calls move political

The UK sanctioned Kyrgyz banks, crypto exchanges, and individuals accused of helping Russia

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UK sanctions Kyrgyz banks and $9.3B crypto network tied to Russia
UK sanctions Kyrgyz banks and crypto exchanges accused of running a $9.3B ruble-backed stablecoin tied to Russia.

The United Kingdom has imposed sweeping sanctions on Kyrgyzstan’s financial sector and a crypto network it claims was designed to help Russia sidestep Western restrictions. According to the UK government, the move targets an alleged $9.3 billion ruble-backed stablecoin that processed transactions in just four months.

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The sanctions, announced Wednesday, expand on more than 2,700 measures the UK has already taken against Russia since the war in Ukraine began. They follow a similar crackdown from the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) last week.

Among those sanctioned were Capital Bank of Central Asia and its director Kantemir Chalbayev, accused of financing Russian military goods. Two Kyrgyz crypto exchanges, Grinex and Meer, were blacklisted alongside infrastructure tied to the A7A5 stablecoin. Officials said the network was created to mimic the ruble on blockchain, making it easier for Moscow to circumvent sanctions.

If the Kremlin thinks they can hide their desperate attempts to soften the blow of our sanctions by laundering transactions through dodgy crypto networks — they are sorely mistaken,” UK Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty said in a statement.

UK targets crypto sector again

The sanctions list also included Altair Holding (Luxembourg), CJSC Tengricoin, Old Vector, A7A5 director Leonid Shumakov, and several other individuals linked to the network.

Grinex, in particular, has attracted scrutiny. It was widely seen as a successor to Garantex, a Moscow-based crypto exchange sanctioned in 2022. Reports suggest Grinex allowed former Garantex users to migrate balances. Earlier this year, Tether froze $27 million in USDT linked to Garantex.

Just last week, OFAC redesignated Garantex and sanctioned Grinex, along with three executives and six firms based in Russia and Kyrgyzstan.


Kyrgyz president pushes back

The sanctions quickly drew a sharp response from Sadyr Japarov, President of Kyrgyzstan. Speaking on Thursday, Japarov dismissed the claims, warning London against politicizing financial ties.

“To prevent any of them from falling under sanctions, we have decided that only the state-owned Keremet Bank will work with the Russian ruble,” he told reporters, according to Reuters.

Keremet Bank itself was sanctioned by Washington earlier this year, accused of acting as a hub for Russian trade payments.

Japarov insisted his country was ready to comply with international obligations but would not allow sanctions to derail its economy:

I will not allow the interests of our citizens and the trade and economic development of the country to be reduced to nothing,” he said.

A growing East-West rift

Analysts note that the sanctions highlight the increasing role of cryptocurrencies in geopolitical conflicts. As traditional banking channels close, countries under heavy sanctions — including Russia — are experimenting with blockchain-based tokens like the A7A5 ruble stablecoin.

But Western governments argue these efforts undermine the global financial system. The UK stressed that crypto will not become a loophole for Moscow.

With both Washington and London tightening their grip, the spotlight now turns to how Kyrgyzstan navigates its role as a regional banking hub squeezed between global powers.

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