Search underway for about 140 people missing after Indonesian passenger ship overturns

Jakarta, Indonesia - Over 140 people remain missing following a ferry accident in the Java Sea on Sunday, according to Indonesian rescuers. The passenger vessel, carrying more than 240 individuals, capsized in rough weather conditions, the source reported. At least 102 people were rescued, while the body of one passenger was recovered.

The search operation has expanded in waters surrounding the last known location of the vessel. The ferry was en route from East Java to South Kalimantan province when the captain reported rough seas with waves reaching up to 3 meters prior to issuing a distress signal, indicating the ship was listing. Authorities later confirmed the ferry had overturned, with the Search and Rescue Office in South Kalimantan receiving the report approximately two hours after losing contact with the Virgo Transport 8 around 2 a.m. Sunday.

The ship had departed from Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city in East Java, heading towards Banjarmasin on Borneo Island. The vessel's operator reported the incident to authorities afterward.