Indonesia searches Java Sea for 129 people missing after ship capsizes
Basarnas says 108 people have been rescued and at least six have died, as storm conditions disrupt the search for passengers from the Virgo Transport 8.
Indonesian authorities are searching the Java Sea for 129 people reported missing after the passenger ship Virgo Transport 8 capsized on Sunday while travelling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin.
The National Search and Rescue Agency, known as Basarnas, said 108 people had been rescued and at least six had died. The reported figures remain subject to change as authorities verify the passenger manifest and continue the operation.
The search involves 622 personnel and about 12 ships. Strong winds and high waves are hampering the response, preventing the deployment of personnel with underwater rescue skills and making it difficult for vessels to reach the site.
The ship is about 80 nautical miles, or 150 kilometres, from the rescue command centre at Trisakti Port in Banjarmasin. Basarnas said the vessel lost contact with its operator during poor weather before capsizing.
The cause remains under investigation. Officials have said the ship had capacity for 500 passengers, while Indonesia relies heavily on ferries for travel between its islands because sea transport is cheaper and more accessible than flying.
