Jakarta – The death toll from the capsized Virgo Transport 8 ferry has climbed to 66, with 108 passengers rescued and 69 still unaccounted for, officials said on Monday. The vessel, carrying 243 people including 30 crew members, overturned in bad weather on September 13 while traveling from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan.
Search and rescue challenges
Senior officials from Indonesia’s search and rescue agency described the ongoing operation as extremely risky. Divers are limited to a maximum depth of 27 metres and must navigate unstable debris, side‑to‑side tilting, and sharp objects scattered throughout the 4,277‑ton ship. Leaking fuel and dense gas concentrations add further health hazards, preventing divers from entering many compartments.
Hardiansyah Putra, a senior agency official, said the team will continue to focus on locating missing passengers in the cabins. “Because of these reasons, the divers weren’t able to get into the compartments,” he explained, adding that the ship’s operator must right the vessel and bring it to the surface before further progress can be made.
Rescue logistics
Rescuers plan to airlift recovered bodies using a helicopter from the Java Sea, where the wreck lies. I Putu Sudayana, another senior official, confirmed the helicopter operation is scheduled for Monday.
Indonesia relies heavily on ferries to connect its more than 17,000 islands, making sea travel a vital and affordable mode of transportation for millions of citizens. However, the country has experienced numerous ferry accidents in recent years, underscoring the need for improved safety standards and emergency response capabilities.
Impact on families
The ongoing search has deepened the anguish of families and friends awaiting news of their loved ones. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Agency figures show the current tally stands at 66 confirmed deaths, 108 survivors, and 69 passengers still missing.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
