{
  "id": 7934506,
  "title": "Indonesian rescuers plan to right capsized ship as 129 remain missing",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/indonesian-rescuers-plan-to-right-capsized-ship-as-129-remain-missing-7934506",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-17T02:29:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/09/17/indonesian-rescuers-plan-to-right-capsized-ship-as-129-remain-missing"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Indonesian rescue officials have announced plans to assess the feasibility of righting the capsized passenger ship, Virgo Transport 8, before conducting a search for the 129 people still missing. The vessel capsized in the Java Sea on Sunday while en route from Surabaya, East Java, to Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, due to strong currents and large waves. Six lives were lost, while 108 survivors remain.\n\nThe national rescue agency and the Indonesian Navy will evaluate the plan to turn the ship upright during a press conference on Thursday. This process, which typically takes around 24 hours, could be delayed if complications arise. Once the ship is righted, it will be towed away for an investigation. Prior to this, underwater searches conducted by two Navy teams were halted due to currents moving at nearly 7 knots, rendering diving unfeasible.\n\nOn Wednesday, additional underwater searches were also unsuccessful. Local and foreign experts have been consulted regarding the ship's salvage operation. On Thursday, air and sea surface searches will continue in an effort to locate the remaining 129 missing individuals. The ship, approximately 80 nautical miles off Banjarmasin port, has drifted about 450 meters from its initial position and is now submerged at a depth of around 29 meters. According to Indonesia's Maritime Law, the ship's owner must remove or tow it if it obstructs shipping lanes.",
  "summary": "The Virgo Transport 8 was carrying 243 people on a voyage from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan when it capsized in bad weather.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Indonesian rescuers to right capsized ship as weather hampers search",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/indonesian-rescuers-to-right-capsized-ship-as-weather-hampers-search",
        "published": "2026-09-17T02:10:15.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Indonesian rescuers plan to right capsized ship as 129 remain missing",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/indonesian-rescuers-plan-to-right-capsized-ship-as-129-remain-missing",
        "published": "2026-09-17T02:29:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}