Search underway for about 130 people missing after Indonesian passenger ship overturns

Banjarmasin, Indonesia - Indonesian rescuers report that approximately 130 passengers and crew members are missing after a ferry carrying over 240 people sank in rough weather conditions in the Java Sea on Sunday. Rescue efforts have recovered the bodies of six passengers, with at least 107 individuals successfully rescued so far.

The search operation has expanded in waters surrounding the vessel's last known location. The ferry was en route from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan province. Captain of the vessel reported encountering rough seas with waves reaching up to 3 meters (10 feet) before sending a distress signal, indicating the ship was listing.

The Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Office, headed by I Putu Sudayana, received information suggesting the vessel had overturned and subsequently sunk. Authorities were notified of the incident two hours after losing contact with the Virgo Transport 8 around 2 a.m. on Sunday. The ship had departed Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, on its way to Banjarmasin on Borneo Island. The ship's operator informed relevant authorities, triggering the urgent search and rescue mission.