Indonesia intensifies search for 129 people missing after ship capsizes

An Indonesian passenger ship, the Virgo Transport 8, capsized in the Java Sea on Sunday, resulting in the disappearance of 129 individuals, according to authorities. The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) reported that 108 people have been rescued, while at least six have tragically lost their lives. The ship, carrying 243 passengers from Surabaya on Java to Banjarmasin on Borneo, lost contact with its operator during rough weather conditions.

Rescue efforts have intensified, with 622 personnel and 12 ships deployed to search for the missing. However, choppy waters with high waves and strong winds are hampering the search operation. Mohammad Syafii, head of the national rescue agency, stated that personnel with underwater rescue skills will be deployed, but current conditions do not permit such action.

The capsized vessel is located approximately 80 nautical miles from the Banjarmasin rescue command center, posing significant challenges for docking due to windy conditions.

A video released by the rescue agency shows the large red-and-black ship, capsized and partially submerged in rough blue water, with its red-painted underside visible above the surface.