Indonesian passenger ship overturns, sparking search for at least 129 missing

At least 129 people are missing after a passenger ferry overturned in Indonesia's Java Sea on Sunday. The accident occurred during rough weather, with waves reaching up to 3 meters. Of the 243 people aboard the vessel - including 213 passengers and 30 crew members - at least 108 were rescued, and the bodies of six passengers were recovered.

The search expanded around the ferry's last known position, which officials say was in the Java Sea, about 148 kilometers from Banjarmasin. The captain reported the ferry listing before issuing a distress call. The Virgo Transport 8, built in Japan in 1987, was operated by PT Virgo Karya Shipping before being sold to its current Indonesian operator.

The vessel was carrying 89 vehicles in addition to passengers. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with search teams, tugboats, and helicopters assisting in the recovery operation. Relatives anxiously await news of loved ones on board.