Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Families Await News After Indonesia Ship Disaster Search
A ship called the Virgo Transport 8 tipped over in rough weather near Indonesia.
It was carrying 243 people on a trip from Surabaya to Banjarmasin.
Rescuers have saved 108 people and found six people who died.
Another 129 people are still missing.
Big waves and strong winds have made the search very difficult.
Divers and underwater equipment have not been able to operate safely.
Six ships, helicopters and airplanes are searching from above and on the water.
Families at the rescue centre are asking officials for clear information about their loved ones.
The Virgo Transport 8 capsized early Sunday in bad weather in the Java Sea.
The ship was carrying 243 people on a 20-hour voyage from Surabaya to Banjarmasin.
Authorities reported six deaths, 108 rescues and 129 people still missing on Wednesday.
Waves reaching 2.5 metres and strong winds have prevented underwater search operations.
Six ships, helicopters and aircraft were conducting surface searches while families awaited updates.
- Who
- The 243 people aboard the Virgo Transport 8, including 129 still missing, rescuers and their families.
- What
- The ship capsized, leaving six dead, 108 rescued and 129 unaccounted for.
- When
- The capsizing occurred early Sunday; the reported figures remained unchanged on Wednesday.
- Where
- In the Java Sea, during a voyage from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan.
- Why
- Bad weather, waves up to 2.5 metres and strong winds caused the disaster and have restricted rescue operations.
- Ship
- Virgo Transport 8
- People aboard
- 243
- Deaths
- 6
- Rescued
- 108
- Missing
- 129
- Search conditions
- Waves up to 2.5 metres and strong winds
- Search resources
- Six ships, helicopters and aircraft