Indonesia Prepares to Right Capsized Ferry After 129 Missing
The Virgo Transport 8 ferry capsized in the Java Sea, leaving 129 people missing and six dead. Indonesian rescue teams are preparing to right the vessel, a process that could take up to 24 hours, while heavy swells and strong currents continue to block underwater search efforts.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The Virgo Transport 8, a passenger ferry carrying 243 travelers, overturned early Sunday in the Java Sea while en route from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan. Six people were confirmed dead, 108 were rescued, and 129 passengers remain missing. Rescue operations have been hampered by severe weather, with heavy swells and strong currents preventing divers from reaching the wreckage. Indonesian authorities are now preparing to right the submerged vessel, a move that could take up to 24 hours under normal conditions.
What Happened on the Java Sea
At roughly 02:30 local time, the Virgo Transport 8 was caught in a sudden storm that pushed the ferry off course. The ship, which had been traveling for about 20 hours, struck a 150‑kilometer stretch of water off the coast of Banjarmasin. It then drifted an additional 450 meters before coming to rest in 29 meters of water, according to Deputy Minister of Transportation Mohammad Syafii. The ferry’s hull was breached, causing it to sink and leaving a large number of passengers trapped inside.
Rescue teams from the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BNPB) and the navy have been working around the clock. The first wave of divers attempted to reach the wreck on Wednesday, but strong currents—measured at up to seven knots—forced them to retreat. Under safe diving protocols, operations are only allowed when currents are below 1.5 knots. The divers were able to recover a few items, which will be forwarded to the National Transportation Safety Committee for investigation.
Preparing to Right the Vessel
On Thursday, the BNPB and the navy announced that they would evaluate the equipment and logistics needed to right the submerged ferry. Deputy Minister Syafii explained that the plan involves turning the vessel upright and then conducting a thorough search and evacuation of any remaining survivors. Once the operation is complete, the ship will be towed away for a full investigation.
Experts from both Indonesia and abroad have been consulted on the strategy. The operation is expected to take about 24 hours under standard conditions, but the time could extend if complications arise. The navy’s Banjarmasin commander, Galih Nurna Putra, emphasized that any items recovered during the underwater search would be handed over to the safety committee as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Challenges of the Search
The search for the 129 missing passengers has been thwarted by the sea’s conditions. Heavy swells and strong currents not only make diving dangerous but also obscure the wreckage, making it difficult for surface vessels and aircraft to locate the ferry. Aerial and water searches conducted on Wednesday yielded no trace of the missing passengers. Additional aerial and maritime searches are scheduled for Thursday, but the weather remains a significant obstacle.
Under Indonesian maritime law, the ferry’s owner is legally required to clear or tow the craft if it poses a hazard to maritime traffic. This legal obligation adds urgency to the righting operation, as the wreck lies in a busy shipping lane. The authorities are also coordinating with local ports and shipping companies to ensure that the area remains safe for vessels while the rescue and salvage work continues.
Next Steps and Unresolved Questions
Once the ferry is righted, investigators will conduct a full forensic analysis to determine the exact cause of the capsizing. The investigation will also look into whether the ferry met safety regulations and if any procedural errors contributed to the disaster. Meanwhile, the search for the missing passengers will continue, with hopes that the righting operation will allow divers to access the wreckage more safely and thoroughly.
Families of the missing passengers are awaiting any new information, and the Indonesian government has pledged to keep the public updated on the progress of the rescue and investigation. The situation remains fluid, and the outcome will depend heavily on weather conditions and the success of the righting operation.
Key facts
- Capsized ferry leaves 129 missing, six dead
- Heavy seas block underwater search
- Authorities plan to right the vessel in 24 hours
- Legal duty to clear wreck if hazardous
- Investigations focus on safety compliance
Why it matters
The capsizing of the Virgo Transport 8 underscores the vulnerability of passenger vessels in Indonesia’s busy maritime corridors and the critical importance of robust safety and rescue protocols.
Frequently asked questions
What caused the ferry to capsize?
The exact cause is still under investigation, but severe weather conditions and possible structural or operational failures are suspected.
When will the search for missing passengers resume?
Additional aerial and maritime searches are scheduled for Thursday, with ongoing efforts contingent on weather conditions.
Who is responsible for towing the wreck?
Indonesian maritime law requires the ferry’s owner to clear the wreck if it poses a danger to shipping lanes.
How many people were rescued?
108 passengers were rescued, while six have been confirmed dead.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “No trace of 129 missing from capsized ferry as bad weather hampers search”
