A passenger ferry carrying over 240 people capsized in the Java Sea during severe weather, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation.

At least six people have died and 130 remain missing after the passenger ferry Virgo Transport 8 capsized in the Java Sea. The vessel, which was traveling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin, encountered severe weather before losing contact with authorities. A major search and rescue operation involving ships and a helicopter is currently underway to locate the missing passengers and crew.

Rescue Operations and Casualties

Indonesian authorities confirmed that 107 people have been rescued so far. A joint task force, including the navy, maritime police, and the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), has deployed 280 personnel to the site. Officials are currently working to determine if the remaining missing individuals are trapped within the capsized vessel or have drifted away from the location. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi is overseeing the evacuation efforts from Banjarmasin. While the exact cause of the incident remains under investigation, officials are examining potential natural, technical, or human factors.

The Vessel and Its Passengers

The 390-foot (119-meter) ferry was carrying 243 people, consisting of 213 passengers and 30 crew members. The ship departed Surabaya at 10:33 on Saturday and was scheduled to arrive in Banjarmasin on Sunday at 14:00. The final distress report was received by authorities at 04:10 on Sunday. Families of those on board have gathered at ports in Surabaya and Banjarmasin seeking information. Some relatives reported that passengers had expressed concerns about the weather conditions shortly before contact was lost, with one passenger noting in a social media update that the waves were "frightening."