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NewsKPBS Public MediaSeptember 13, 2026San Diego County

Indonesian passenger ship Virgo Transport 8 overturns in Java Sea

Photo: KPBS Public Media

An Indonesian passenger ferry carrying more than 240 people sank in the Java Sea after encountering rough weather, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation. At least 107 people were rescued and six bodies were recovered, while about 130 passengers and crew remain missing. The vessel was traveling from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan when it went down.

Maritime AccidentSearch and RescueJava SeaFerry Sinking
Read the full story at KPBS Public Media

Why It Matters

About 130 people remain missing following the sinking of a passenger ferry in the Java Sea, mobilizing multiple rescue vessels and a helicopter.

Key Facts

  • A ferry carrying more than 240 people sank in the Java Sea on Sunday in bad weather.
  • The ship's manifest listed 243 people aboard, consisting of 213 passengers and 30 crew members.
  • The captain reported rough seas with waves up to 3 meters (10 feet) and issued a distress message stating the ship was listing.
  • The Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Office received a report two hours after contact was lost at about 2 a.m. Sunday.
  • At least 107 people were rescued and six bodies were recovered by Sunday afternoon.
  • About 130 passengers and crew remain missing.
  • Authorities deployed four vessels, including a navy ship, and a helicopter to support the search.
  • The vessel's last known position was about 148 kilometers (92 miles) from a pier in Banjarmasin.
  • Relatives gathered at a command center in Banjarmasin's Trisakti port to await news.

Who's Mentioned

PersonBunga“Relative of a passenger whose uncle was rescued.”PersonI Putu Sudayana“Heads the Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Office.”OrganizationVirgo Transport 8“The passenger ship that sank in the Java Sea.”locationBanjarmasin“Destination city in South Kalimantan province.”locationSurabaya“Departure city in East Java.”locationTrisakti port“Port in Banjarmasin where relatives gathered.”OrganizationMutiara Sentosa 2“Another Indonesian ferry that previously caught fire.”locationJava Sea“Location where the ferry sank.”