Rescue Efforts Ramp Up After Indonesian Ferry Capsizes, Leaving 129 Missing
By Editor • September 14, 2026 • 1 min read
A tragic maritime incident off the coast of Indonesia has prompted a large-scale search and rescue operation after a ferry capsized in the Java Sea, leaving 129 individuals unaccounted for. The Virgo Transport 8, which was en route from Surabaya to Banjarmasin, encountered severe weather conditions that led to its distress.
According to authorities, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) reported that 108 passengers have been rescued, but at least six fatalities have been confirmed. I Putu Sudayana, head of the Banjarmasin rescue agency, revealed that as of Monday morning, search teams were deployed, comprising 622 personnel and approximately 12 vessels. However, the rescue efforts have been hampered by high waves and strong winds.
Mohammad Syafii, the head of the national rescue agency, indicated that while divers with underwater rescue training are on standby, the adverse conditions are currently preventing their deployment. The capsized vessel lies around 80 nautical miles from the Trisakti Port command center in Banjarmasin, complicating the ongoing rescue operations. In a video released by Basarnas, the large red-and-black ship can be seen partially submerged, with smaller boats attempting to navigate the rough waters nearby.
Source: www.aljazeera.com
#ferry capsizes #Indonesia #Java Sea #search and rescue #Virgo Transport 8
