Overview
- The ferry lost radio contact and disappeared from radar while on a night crossing from Surabaya to Banjarmasin after it had covered about two thirds of the route, according to ship-tracking data.
- Search-and-rescue forces coordinated from Banjarmasin have sent ships to sweep the stormy area and continue the operation despite up to 2.5 metre waves reported by rescuers.
- Official early figures reported 53 people rescued, local port officials were later quoted at 115 survivors, and the news agency AFP said 103 people were taken to safety, revealing major discrepancies in tallies.
- At least one person has died; AFP reported that one rescued passenger later died and one body has been recovered as crews continue to look for the missing vessel.
- The Virgo Transport 8 is a 119-metre ferry built in 1987 that typically carries local commuters, and authorities have not yet published a full passenger manifest, complicating efforts to account for those on board.