Overview
- Rescuers launched an operation after the Virgo Transport 8 stopped responding early on Sunday, September 13, while sailing from Surabaya to Banjarmasin.
- The ship’s manifest listed about 241–243 people on board and crews have evacuated roughly 103 passengers and crew to nearby vessels or ports.
- Officials have confirmed one death and say approximately 140 people remain unaccounted for as search teams work to locate the vessel.
- Basarnas and local maritime agencies are directing ships and a helicopter to the ferry’s last known position about 148–150 kilometres from Banjarmasin, but high waves have made operations risky.
- The incident underscores Indonesia’s reliance on sea travel and recurring safety challenges, with recent months seeing other ferry fires and sinkings that have strained rescue resources.