6 dead, nearly 130 missing after Indonesian ferry capsizes in Java Sea
At least six people were killed and nearly 130 others are missing after an Indonesian passenger ferry capsized in rough seas in the Java Sea, according to local authorities. More than 100 people have been rescued.
The Virgo Transport 8 was traveling from Surabaya, on the island of Java, to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. It left Surabaya on Saturday and was last reported about 93 miles south of Banjarmasin before contact was lost early Sunday.
Indonesia’s search-and-rescue agency, Basarnas, said it received a distress report at 4:10 a.m. from the ferry operator and later made direct contact with the captain. The call was cut off while the captain was reporting the emergency.
The captain said the vessel began listing after waves struck its starboard side, according to Basarnas. The agency said there were 243 people aboard: 213 passengers and 30 crew members.
Rescuers reported recovering about 114 people, including six who died. About 129 passengers and crew remain missing, although the agency said its preliminary figures could change as the search continues.
Ships, a helicopter, the Indonesian navy, maritime police and other emergency teams were deployed to the area. More than 280 personnel are involved in the operation, while all vessels in the surrounding area have been asked to report any signs of passengers or wreckage.
Poor weather and high waves are hampering the search. A rescue vessel sent from Surabaya was forced to turn back because of the conditions, Basarnas said.
The Java Sea separates Java from Borneo and is crossed by passenger ferries and cargo vessels connecting Indonesia’s thousands of islands. Surabaya is one of Indonesia’s largest cities, while Banjarmasin is a major river port in the Indonesian part of Borneo.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
