Java Sea ferry disaster leaves six dead and 129 missing
Six people have died and 108 were rescued after the Virgo Transport 8 capsized in Indonesia’s Java Sea, with 129 still missing.
Indonesian rescuers continued searching on Monday (September 14) for 129 people missing after the Virgo Transport 8 capsized in the Java Sea. Six people have died and 108 have been rescued.
The vessel carried 243 people and was sailing from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan when it encountered bad weather early Sunday (September 13).
I Putu Sudayana, head of the Banjarmasin rescue agency, told Reuters that 622 personnel and about 12 ships were taking part in the search.
Cause of capsize under investigation
Footage released by the rescue agency showed the ship overturned and partly submerged, with two small boats nearby.
Rescue official Edy Prakoso said strong waves struck the ship’s starboard side before it listed heavily.
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said a passing helicopter reported the capsize. The cause remains under investigation.
Source: Reuters
