129 missing after Indonesian ferry capsizes in Java Sea
Passenger ship Virgo Transport 8 capsized on Sunday carrying 243 people; 129 remain missing, at least six people died.
The Virgo Transport 8 went down in the Java Sea early Sunday in rough seas. The ship was travelling from Surabaya to South Kalimantan.
Of the 243 people aboard, rescuers have retrieved 108 survivors and confirmed at least six deaths. Searchers have deployed 1,100 coast guard and navy personnel, 10 aircraft, and 17 ships.
But high waves between 1.75 and 2.5 metres are blocking underwater operations on day three. Officials said if conditions improve, divers will search inside the sunken hull at 30 metres depth.
The capsized vessel is unstable and could shift unexpectedly, adding risk. Specialist divers are equipped to work deeper than more than 100 metres, and a naval vessel with an underwater drone stands ready.
- 243
- People aboard
- 129
- Missing
- 108
- Rescued
- At least 6
- Confirmed deaths
Why it mattersLarge maritime disasters test rescue coordination and highlight weather's impact on life-saving operations in open water.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but rough-sea rescues in the region inform local maritime safety protocols and rescue readiness.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au·smh.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 9 d ago
