Six people have died and 130 are missing after an Indonesian ferry capsized in the Java Sea, with rescue operations ongoing. The Virgo Transport 8 was en route from Surabaya to Banjarmasin when it encountered bad weather.
Ships and helicopters are searching for the 130 missing passengers and crew after the ferry capsized. The vessel was carrying 213 passengers and 30 crew members when it encountered bad weather. The ferry was last reported about 150km south of Banjarmasin around 02:00 on Sunday. It had departed Surabaya at 10:33 on Saturday and was scheduled to arrive in Banjarmasin by 14:00 on Sunday. Authorities received the initial distress report at 04:10, prompting the deployment of 280 personnel in a search and rescue operation. All vessels in the Java Sea have been alerted to report any signs of passengers.
A joint task force involving Indonesia's search and rescue agency, navy, and maritime police has been established. Families of passengers have gathered at Trisakti Port in Banjarmasin, awaiting updates. One family member last heard from a relative through a WhatsApp status describing the dangerous conditions at sea. The relative wrote: 'The waves are really frightening tonight. Or is this just what it's normally like travelling by ship, rocking and crashing against the waves?' The ship was pictured at sea by the Indonesian military involved in the search and rescue operation.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the risks of maritime travel in the region and the vulnerability of passengers during severe weather conditions.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
The outcome of the ongoing search and rescue operations and any updates on the status of the missing passengers.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.