Indonesia Ferry Capsizes, 129 People Still Missing

BANJARMASIN, Indonesia – Indonesian rescuers are searching for 129 people still missing after the passenger ship Virgo Transport 8 capsized in the Java Sea on Sunday (Sept. 13, 2026). Six people have died and 108 others have been rescued, according to the latest authorities' figures.

The vessel was carrying 243 people, including passengers and crew, while sailing from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan. The ship encountered severe weather before capsizing in the Java Sea.

More than 600 rescuers have been deployed in the search operation. Around 12 vessels are helping search the waters around the accident site, while aerial assets are also being used to locate survivors.

The ship lost contact early Sunday after encountering worsening sea conditions. The captain had reportedly warned that the vessel was listing before communication was lost.

The Associated Press reported that waves in the area reached around 3 meters when the accident occurred. The vessel was also carrying approximately 89 vehicles.

Rescuers found the vessel overturned and partially afloat. Search teams are continuing to expand the operation as they attempt to locate passengers and crew members who remain unaccounted for.

Indonesia's Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the government would conduct a thorough review of the incident. Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the capsizing.

The disaster has once again highlighted maritime safety challenges in Indonesia. As an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia relies heavily on ferries and other sea transport to connect communities and move people and goods between islands.

The search and rescue operation remained the government's top priority on Monday, while relatives gathered at Trisakti Port in Banjarmasin awaiting news about their loved ones.