Indonesia rescuers search for 140 people from stricken ferry

An Indonesian passenger ferry carrying 243 people lost contact with authorities in the Java Sea on Sunday after encountering severe weather conditions. Local officials reported that 102 individuals were rescued and one person tragically lost their life. However, approximately 140 passengers remain missing. The Virgo Transport 8 was en route from Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, to Banjarmasin, the capital of South Kalimantan province, when it departed on Saturday at 10:13 a.m. local time.

Authorities received information suggesting the vessel had encountered rough weather, prompting search and rescue teams to launch an operation following notification from the ship's operator. The Virgo Transport 8's last known location was in the Java Sea, situated approximately 148 kilometers (92 miles) from Banjarmasin's Basirih Search and Rescue pier.

Rescue efforts were coordinated by Indonesian maritime authorities, who were monitoring weather conditions and mobilizing all available personnel and equipment. The head of the Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Office emphasized the extensive efforts made to locate and rescue the remaining missing passengers.