A major search and rescue operation is underway in Indonesia after the passenger ferry Virgo Transport 8 encountered severe weather and sank in the Java Sea while sailing from Surabaya to Banjarmasin.
The ferry was carrying 243 people, according to the vessel’s manifest. As of the latest reports, 103 people have been rescued, one person has been confirmed dead, and 140 remain unaccounted for.
The incident happened during a voyage between two major Indonesian ports and has triggered an urgent response from Indonesian search and rescue authorities.
Virgo Transport 8 Lost Contact During Severe Weather
Virgo Transport 8 departed from Surabaya, East Java, on Saturday, September 12, bound for Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan.
During the voyage, the vessel encountered worsening weather conditions in the Java Sea.
According to reports from Indonesian authorities, the ship’s captain had informed the company that the weather had deteriorated. At around 02:00 local time on Sunday, September 13, the captain reportedly reported that the vessel was listing before communication was eventually lost.
The last known position was reported at approximately 4°31’51.82″S, 114°2’6.88″E, around 80 nautical miles from the SAR base at Basirih, Banjarmasin.
Local reports later indicated that the ferry had capsized in the Java Sea.
103 People Rescued, 140 Still Missing
The latest rescue figures show that 103 people have been evacuated from the stricken vessel.
One person has been confirmed dead, while 140 people remain unaccounted for.
Rescuers have been working under difficult conditions as they search the surrounding waters for survivors. The operation is being treated as an urgent race against time because of the number of people still missing.
Some early reports gave a total of 240 people onboard, but later information based on the ship’s manifest reported 243 people. MaritimeTips is using the latest reported manifest figure of 243.
Large Search and Rescue Operation Underway
Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency, Basarnas, quickly mobilized resources after the ferry lost contact.
The Banjarmasin SAR office, headed by I Putu Sudayana, deployed the rescue vessel KN SAR Laksmana 241 toward the last known position of Virgo Transport 8.
Other vessels have also been involved in the operation, while a helicopter from Surabaya has been deployed to assist with aerial searches.
Several vessels in the area also assisted in rescuing people from the water. Earlier reports from Indonesian media said tugboats and other vessels helped evacuate survivors before the main SAR response reached the area.
Rough Weather Complicated the Rescue
The accident occurred while the ferry was sailing through poor weather conditions in the Java Sea.
Reports indicate that the captain had already warned about the deteriorating weather before later reporting that the vessel was listing. Other reports described large waves in the area at the time of the accident.
For rescuers, bad weather creates an additional challenge. High waves, reduced visibility and difficult sea conditions can make it harder to locate people in the water and safely operate rescue boats and aircraft.
Families Await News in Banjarmasin
As the search continues, relatives of passengers have gathered in Banjarmasin awaiting information about their family members.
The situation remains fluid, and the number of rescued, missing and deceased people could change as search teams continue checking the area.
Authorities have not yet released a final explanation for why Virgo Transport 8 capsized. The immediate priority remains finding and rescuing the people still missing.
What Happened to Virgo Transport 8?
Based on the information currently available, the sequence of events appears to be:
- September 12: Virgo Transport 8 departed Surabaya for Banjarmasin.
- Overnight: The vessel encountered severe weather in the Java Sea.
- Around 02:00 on September 13: The captain reportedly reported that the vessel was listing.
- Afterward: Communication with the vessel was lost.
- Early Sunday: Indonesian SAR authorities were alerted and began mobilizing rescue resources.
- Sunday: The vessel was located in the Java Sea and reported to have capsized.
- Latest figures: 103 people rescued, one confirmed dead and 140 still unaccounted for.
Search Operation Continues
The search for the missing passengers remains ongoing.
Rescue vessels and aircraft are continuing to search the last known area of Virgo Transport 8, while authorities are working to account for everyone listed on the manifest.
For the families waiting for news, the coming hours will be critical.
MaritimeTips will continue to follow the Virgo Transport 8 accident and update this article as Indonesian authorities release new information.
FAQ
What happened to Virgo Transport 8?
Virgo Transport 8 encountered severe weather while sailing from Surabaya to Banjarmasin and subsequently lost contact. The vessel was later reported to have capsized in the Java Sea.
How many people were onboard Virgo Transport 8?
The latest reported manifest listed 243 people onboard, although some early reports gave a figure of 240.
How many people have been rescued?
According to the latest available reports, 103 people have been rescued.
How many people are still missing?
140 people remain unaccounted for based on the latest figures.
Where did the Virgo Transport 8 accident happen?
The accident occurred in the Java Sea, approximately 80 nautical miles from the SAR base at Basirih, Banjarmasin.
What caused the ferry to sink?
Authorities have not yet announced a final cause. Severe weather and large waves were reported before the captain reported that the vessel was listing.
