A major search operation is underway after at least six people died and around 140 remain missing after passenger ship Virgo Transport 8 capsized in rough weather in the Java Sea on Sunday, with more than 240 people aboard.
Footage shows relatives and friends of passengers gathering at Trisakti Port in Banjarmasin, checking phones and waiting for updates as rescuers searched for those still missing.
Banjarmasin search and rescue chief I Putu Sudayana said nearby commercial vessels were among the first to respond, rescuing more than 100 passengers.
“As of noon, some of the passengers have been successfully evacuated by vessels operating in the area. We can confirm that a total of 103 people have been evacuated ,” Sudayana explained.
“The MP Mahao 9 will be heading to Tuban Port in East Java with the 16 evacuated individuals. The TB TCP then evacuated 38 people, all of whom were rescued safely. Meanwhile, the MP Haida evacuated 49 individuals, all in good condition,” he noted.
Relative Triyono said families had received little information after learning the ship had lost contact.
“Since one of our friends was on board, we tried to find out more information, but we still haven’t received any updates,” he said.
Another man, Niko, said his last indication that a friend was aboard came from a WhatsApp post showing he had boarded the vessel.
Virgo Transport 8 left Surabaya on Saturday and lost contact early Sunday after its captain reported that his vessel was listing amid bad weather and high waves. It later capsized around 148 kilometres from Trisakti Port.
Indonesia’s search and rescue agency deployed vessels and a helicopter, while the navy sent the KRI Nala to join the operation. Commercial ships operating nearby also helped pull dozens of survivors from the water.
Maritime accidents remain a recurring problem across Indonesia’s vast archipelago, where ferries and passenger ships are vital to inter-island travel, particularly during periods of severe weather.
Source: Viory
