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Virgo Transport 8 Capsizes in Java Sea, About 130 People Missing

Hundreds of rescuers with naval ships and helicopters search the overturned ferry as authorities investigate what caused it to capsize.

Overview

  • The Virgo Transport 8 departed Surabaya on Saturday and lost contact after its captain reported the ship was listing in rough seas, with the last known position about 148 km from Banjarmasin.
  • Aerial and shipboard searches on Sunday found the ferry overturned and floating upside down, and crews have concentrated operations around the capsized hull.
  • Rescuers have pulled roughly 107–108 people to safety and recovered six bodies while about 129–130 people remain unaccounted for, according to Indonesian search-and-rescue officials.
  • Teams deployed more than 600 personnel, about a dozen ships including navy vessels, helicopters and nearby passing boats to search the area and assist survivors on other craft.
  • Investigators are probing natural, technical and human factors, and safety experts note the vessel was built in 1987 and was carrying vehicles and a passenger manifest that may not reflect the actual number aboard, which could complicate accountability and stability checks.