Indonesia says six killed, 130 missing after ferry capsizes off Java

Indonesia reported that six individuals lost their lives and 130 others were still missing following a ferry accident off the coast of Java. The Virgo Transport 8, en route between Java and Borneo, capsized due to severe weather conditions. The ship, carrying 243 passengers and crew members, initially lost contact with its shipping company early Sunday after departing from Surabaya in East Java.

Bangkalan-based search and rescue agency Basarnas confirmed that six people had died, while 130 remained unaccounted for. A total of 107 people had been rescued. The ship had 213 passengers and 30 crew members on board, according to Basarnas. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated that the vessel capsized but did not sink at the time of information received.

Rescue efforts faced challenging conditions as waves reached up to 2.5 meters in height. The risk was particularly high for the 40-meter-long vessel, as acknowledged by local search and rescue chief I Putu Sudayana. The ship's last known location was in the Java Sea, approximately 150 kilometers from its destination.

The Banjarmasin Sea Port Authority, under Heri Purwanto, emphasized that the safety of all individuals on board remained their top priority. A command center had been established at the Banjarmasin port, with paramedics and ambulances available for immediate assistance. Relatives and friends of the passengers had gathered at the command post to receive updates on their loved ones.