Rescuers plan to flip capsized ship to find 129 missing
Indonesian rescuers will try to right a capsized passenger ferry to search for 129 missing people trapped inside.
The Virgo Transport 8 capsized in the Java Sea last Sunday in bad weather while carrying 243 people from East Java to South Kalimantan. Six people died and 108 survived, but 129 remain missing.
Rescue officials plan to flip the ship upright to access the interior, a job that normally takes about 24 hours. Strong currents and big waves have prevented divers from searching underwater so far.
The ship lies in 30 metres of water about 150 kilometres from port. Navy and rescue teams will assess the righting plan on Thursday.
- 129
- Missing people
- 30 metres
- Water depth
- 150 kilometres
- Distance from port
- 20 hours
- Voyage duration
Why it mattersThe missing passengers' families are waiting to know if the operation will uncover survivors or answers about what happened to their loved ones.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, though the region's maritime safety standards affect regional travel and shipping that Australian companies and travellers use.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 7 d ago
