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Passenger Ferry in Java Sea Loses Contact as Large Rescue Operation Continues

Severe weather left hundreds unaccounted and rescuers are still trying to confirm the final casualty toll and the vessel's condition.

Overview

  • A ferry named Virgo Transport 8, carrying 243 people, reported heavy weather and a list before radio contact broke during a voyage from Surabaya to Banjarmasin.
  • Rescue teams coordinated by Basarnas and nearby ships have recovered between about 103 and 115 people so far, with official tallies varying across reports.
  • I Putu Sudayana, the Basarnas rescue coordinator, confirmed at least one death and said crews faced waves up to about 2.5 metres that complicated the operation.
  • The ferry's exact fate remains unclear because authorities have not published a full passenger manifest and reports conflict on whether the vessel was found or capsized.
  • The incident highlights recurring safety challenges for Indonesia's interisland ferry system and leaves families waiting for updates as rescuers continue searches and reconcile passenger lists.