Six Dead, 107 Rescued After Indonesian Ferry Stricken in Java Sea

At least six people have died and 107 have been rescued after an Indonesian passenger ferry carrying 243 people encountered severe weather in the Java Sea, according to Indonesia’s search and rescue agency. Authorities launched a major rescue operation after losing contact with the Virgo Transport 8, which was traveling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan. The search for the remaining passengers is continuing.

The ferry was last reported around 150 kilometers south of Banjarmasin at approximately 2:00 a.m. local time on Sunday. The vessel’s operator, PT Virgo, sent an initial distress report to authorities at 4:10 a.m. The ship had departed Surabaya at 10:33 a.m. on Saturday and was scheduled to reach Banjarmasin at 2:00 p.m. Sunday.

A joint task force involving Indonesia’s search and rescue agency, navy, maritime police and other authorities has been deployed to the scene. Several vessels and a helicopter are taking part in the operation, with around 280 personnel involved. Authorities have also alerted all ships operating in the Java Sea to report any possible sightings of passengers, while an accident operations center has been established at Trisakti Port.