Indonesia: Six Dead and 129 Missing After Ferry Capsize

Yesterday 16:06

A ferry connecting the island of Java to Borneo capsized on Sunday morning in challenging weather conditions, resulting in at least six fatalities. Of the 243 people on board the Virgo Transport 8, 108 have been rescued while 129 others are still missing. Operations are ongoing in rough seas, significantly complicating the rescue teams' efforts.

A Ferry Loaded with Passengers and Vehicles

The Virgo Transport 8 had departed Saturday from the port of Surabaya in East Java, bound for Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. The vessel was carrying 213 passengers as well as 30 crew members.

Contact with the ferry was lost around 2 a.m. local time. According to information relayed to rescuers, the captain had previously reported that the ship was starting to tilt.

The latest report from Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency, Basarnas, indicates six deaths and 108 people rescued. Search efforts continue to locate 129 passengers and crew members still reported missing.

The Ship Capsized but Did Not Sink

Indonesian authorities clarified that the ferry was not completely submerged. According to observations made from a helicopter, the Virgo Transport 8 had overturned but had not yet sunk several hours after the accident.

This situation allows rescue teams to continue searching around and near the vessel. However, sea conditions make the operation particularly dangerous.

Waves reaching 2.5 meters hinder the operations of rescue boats. The local operations chief emphasized that even a 40-meter rescue vessel faced significant risks in these conditions.

Two helicopters are also participating in the search efforts.

Panic at the Time of Capsizing

Initial testimonies gathered from survivors describe a scene of great confusion.

Rinto Arahap, 33, explained that many passengers were asleep when the boat began to tilt. He reported hearing a noise similar to that of a metal piece breaking.

According to his account, panic quickly spread through the ship. Some passengers reportedly tried to get to higher ground while others sought an exit.

The survivor also stated that no clear alert was given by the crew as the ferry began to capsize. Injured on the forehead and thumb, he was treated at a health center in Banjarmasin.

In Banjarmasin, Families Await News

The first survivors arrived at the port of Banjarmasin before nightfall. Several were transported on stretchers to ambulances, while others, seated in wheelchairs, received assistance from rescuers.

On-site, anxiety dominates among families seeking news of their loved ones. Dozens of people are consulting the survivor lists provided by the authorities.

Jenah, 26, was particularly waiting for information about her brother, who was traveling alone on the ferry. Without news since the night of the tragedy, she expressed her concern and hope of finding him alive.

A New Alert on Maritime Safety

The capsizing occurs in a country where maritime connections play a crucial role. With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia heavily relies on ferries and other vessels to connect its territories.

Maritime accidents remain frequent there, particularly due to sometimes difficult weather conditions and ongoing concerns regarding safety standards.

The capsizing of the Virgo Transport 8 comes after several recent incidents. The previous month, a fire aboard a ferry connecting Bali and Lombok resulted in one death and five missing. A few days later, a speedboat carrying eight people also lost contact near Anak Krakatau while five journalists were aboard to cover the volcanic eruption.

Search Efforts Continue

For Indonesian authorities, the priority now remains to locate the 129 individuals still reported missing. Operations must contend with difficult sea conditions and significant risks for rescuers.

As families continue to wait for information in Banjarmasin, the toll may still evolve as search efforts progress. Rescuers continue their operations at sea and in the air to locate those who have yet to be found.