Indonesia Launches Massive Rescue Operation For 129 Missing After Passenger Ship Capsizes

Indonesia intensified a massive search operation on Monday for 129 people who remain missing after a passenger ship capsized in the Java Sea.

More than 600 rescuers have been mobilised, while the death toll from the disaster stood at six. The Virgo Transport 8 was carrying 243 people when it went missing in rough weather early Sunday while sailing from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan. Authorities have rescued 108 people so far.

622 Rescuers, 12 Ships In Search Operation

I Putu Sudayana, who heads the Banjarmasin rescue agency, said 622 personnel and around 12 ships were involved in Monday’s search. Rescue teams began operations early in the morning and continued scouring the waters for survivors and those still unaccounted for. Sudayana said the death toll remained unchanged at six as of Monday morning.

Images released by the rescue agency showed the red-and-black vessel lying overturned and partly submerged in turbulent waters. Several smaller boats were seen close to the wreck as rescue teams worked in the area.

Bad Weather Linked To Disaster

Officials said severe weather may have played a role in the accident. Edy Prakoso of Indonesia’s national rescue agency said the vessel had tilted heavily after powerful waves struck its starboard side. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said a helicopter flying over the area later spotted the capsized ship. The precise cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Ferry Disasters Common In Indonesia

With thousands of islands spread across its vast archipelago, Indonesia depends heavily on ferries and other vessels for inter-island travel. Sea transport is often a more affordable and accessible option than air travel. The country has witnessed several maritime accidents, including two ferry fires last month. Five people were killed after one ferry caught fire near Madura Island, while another passenger died when a ferry travelling from Bali was engulfed in flames.

The latest incident has renewed attention on safety standards and emergency response measures in Indonesia’s passenger ferry network.