6 dead, 107 rescued from missing Indonesian ferry in Java Sea

Indonesia's search and rescue agency reported that six individuals lost their lives and 107 were rescued from a stranded passenger ferry in the Java Sea. The disaster unfolded after the Virgo Transport eight ship lost contact with authorities due to adverse weather conditions while transporting 243 people. The search for the remaining 130 passengers continues.

The vessel was en route from Surabaya to Banjarmasin, a city in South Kalimantan, when it was last detected 150km (93 miles) south of Banjarmasin on Saturday. The initial distress signal was received at 04:10 from the vessel's operator, PT Virgo, which departed Surabaya at 10:33 and was expected to arrive in Banjarmasin on Sunday at 14:00.

A joint rescue operation comprising the search and rescue agency, navy, maritime police, and others has been mobilized, deploying ships, a helicopter, and 280 personnel. All maritime vessels within the Java Sea vicinity have been instructed to report any sightings of passengers. The ferry carried 213 passengers and 30 crew members, with 130 individuals still unaccounted for.

A resident of Banjarmasin, Rusmilawati, inquired about her eight missing relatives who were traveling back to their hometown after visiting the tombs of several Islamic scholars in Java. Despite her efforts, she has not received official confirmation regarding their rescue status. One of the relatives shared a harrowing message on WhatsApp, expressing concern about the violent sea conditions they experienced during the voyage.