A ferry carrying over 240 passengers lost contact in the Java Sea after encountering bad weather, with six confirmed dead and 130 still missing.
The vessel, named Virgo Transport 8, departed Surabaya on Saturday and was en route to Banjarmasin when it lost contact early Sunday. Officials confirmed six fatalities and 130 missing passengers, with 107 rescued so far. The ship was carrying 243 people when it encountered bad weather in the Java Sea. The operator lost contact with the vessel amid the adverse conditions, prompting authorities to initiate a search and rescue operation. The ship was scheduled to arrive in Banjarmasin at about 2 p.m. local time on Sunday.
Search and rescue teams deployed ships and a helicopter to the last known location of the ferry, which was approximately 148 kilometers from Banjarmasin. Authorities are coordinating efforts and monitoring weather conditions as part of the ongoing operation. I Putu Sudayana, head of the Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Office, stated that efforts are being carried out to the fullest extent, with some passengers already successfully evacuated by units at the scene. The operation continues as teams work to locate the remaining missing individuals.
Why it matters
The ship had departed Surabaya and was heading toward Banjarmasin; the broader context is that A passenger ship carrying more than 240 people was reported missing after losing contact during bad weather in the Java Sea early on Sunday, according to Indonesia’s search.
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What to watch
Watch whether the ferry’s scheduled arrival in Banjarmasin is delayed due to the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.