At least six people have died and more than 130 remain missing after a passenger ferry overturned in rough seas, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation.
The vessel, named Virgo Transport 8, was carrying about 243 people when it overturned on Sunday, Sept. 13. It had been traveling from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin when contact with the ship was lost around 2 a.m. local time amid severe weather.
Rescuers have so far recovered the bodies of six passengers and rescued 107 people from the stricken vessel. More than 130 others remain unaccounted for as search teams continue working to locate survivors.
The rescue effort is being led by National Search and Rescue Agency, working alongside the navy, maritime police and other agencies. However, dangerous sea conditions are making the operation difficult. Officials said waves in the area have reached about 8.2 feet, creating risks even for rescue vessels.
Authorities were alerted after the ship’s operator reported that the ferry had encountered bad weather. A rescue team was sent out after the Banjarmasin SAR office received the report from the ship’s agent at about 4:10 a.m.
The ferry’s manifest listed 213 passengers and 30 crew members, although officials noted that the actual number of people aboard could differ from the manifest. That uncertainty could affect the final number of missing people as rescuers continue checking records and searching the area.
Meanwhile, hundreds of relatives have gathered at a command center in Banjarmasin, waiting for updates about family members who were aboard the ferry. Some have already received confirmation that loved ones survived, while others are still waiting for news.
The search remains underway, with authorities monitoring weather conditions while teams continue looking for those still missing. The full death toll and final number of passengers affected may change as the rescue operation develops.