Six killed, 129 missing after ferry capsizes off Java

A ferry capsized off the coast of Java, Indonesia, on Sunday, resulting in at least six deaths and 129 people reported missing. The Virgo Transport 8, carrying 213 passengers and 30 crew members, lost contact with its shipping company early Sunday morning while departing from Surabaya in East Java. Passengers panicked as the vessel began listing at around 2 a.m., with many struggling to find life jackets.

Survivor Rinto Arahap recounted the chaos, describing passengers pushing each other and fighting for flotation devices. There was no warning from the ship's crew, leading to confusion and fear among those on board. The first rescue ship arrived at a pier in Banjarmasin on the southern coast of Borneo island before nightfall, rescuing survivors who needed assistance walking or were transported on stretchers.

The search and rescue operation involved helicopters, navy vessels, and personnel from the shipping company and shipping agency. The vessel's last known position was in the Java Sea, approximately 150 kilometers from its destination. Local authorities expressed shock at the incident, emphasizing the ongoing need for improved safety standards in Indonesia, where marine accidents are a common occurrence due to lax regulations and unpredictable weather conditions.