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Indonesian Ferry Capsizes in Java Sea as Large Search Continues

Rescue teams are racing to find survivors while authorities open probes into what caused the overturn and why passenger counts differ from the manifest.

Overview

  • Rescuers say the Virgo Transport 8 overturned in rough weather in the Java Sea and is floating upside down while teams work to recover people and bodies from around the vessel.
  • About 102–107 people have been pulled to safety so far, officials have reported between one and six confirmed deaths, and roughly 130–140 passengers and crew remain unaccounted for.
  • The ship left Surabaya on Saturday and lost contact at about 2 a.m. on Sunday after the captain reported the vessel was listing, with aerial checks later showing the ferry overturned.
  • Basarnas, navy ships, helicopters, tugboats and nearby commercial vessels have been deployed to the last known position as search leaders coordinate rescues and medical aid for survivors.
  • Investigators will examine weather, vessel stability, the passenger manifest—reported at about 241–243 people—and enforcement of ferry safety rules, a scrutiny intensified by recent regional ferry disasters.