Indonesia rescuers battle turbulent seas in search for 129 people after passenger ship capsizes
JAKARTA: Hundreds of Indonesian rescuers including the coast guard and the navy raced on Monday to board a passenger ship that capsized in the Java Sea over the weekend as they searched for 129 people still missing, officials said, with the confirmed death toll at six.
Indonesian rescuers are battling turbulent seas in a search for 129 people missing after a passenger ship capsized in the Java Sea over the weekend. The Virgo Transport 8, which was carrying 243 people, went missing in bad weather early Sunday, with the confirmed death toll currently at six. Hundreds of rescuers, including the coast guard and navy, have deployed to the location, with 622 personnel, 17 ships, five helicopters, and aircraft involved in the search.
Choppy waters with high waves and strong winds are impeding the search efforts, making it difficult for rescuers to reach the capsized and partially submerged ship. The rescue agency has identified more personnel with special skills in anticipation of better weather conditions. The incident occurred in the Java Sea, known for its deadly maritime disasters, including the 1981 sinking of the Tampomas II ship that killed nearly 600 people.
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