Search and rescue operations continue in Indonesian waters following the capsizing of a passenger vessel in the Java Sea. The Virgo Transport 8 sank while traveling from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin on Borneo, carrying 243 people aboard. According to the National Search and Rescue Agency, 108 individuals have been rescued so far, while at least six fatalities have been confirmed and 129 people remain unaccounted for.
The rescue effort involves extensive resources deployed across the region. Over 600 personnel from various agencies, including the coastguard, are participating in the operation using approximately 12 vessels. The ship went down during severe weather conditions when it lost communication with operators, with strong waves striking the vessel’s starboard side causing it to overturn, according to rescue officials.
Environmental factors continue to hamper recovery efforts significantly. Rough seas with high waves and powerful winds are making it difficult for rescue teams to operate effectively in the area, located roughly 150 kilometers from the command center at Trisakti Port. Officials indicated that underwater rescue specialists have not yet been deployed due to the challenging maritime conditions.
Authorities have noted that the vessel was not operating beyond capacity, with a maximum passenger limit of 500. Transport officials are investigating the incident’s cause. This incident underscores Indonesia’s reliance on ferry transportation across its archipelago, where sea travel remains more affordable than air transport for residents.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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