Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Indonesia Ferry Death Toll Reaches 28 as Search Widens
A ferry in Indonesia overturned and sank during bad weather.
It was traveling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin.
There were 243 people on board.
Officials say 28 people have died, 108 survived, and 107 are still missing.
Rescuers have found many bodies inside the ship.
Divers are trying to search the cabins, but the water is dark and the currents are strong.
The ship is still lying on its side underwater.
Searching the vehicles may be dangerous because they appear to be piled together.
Rescue teams will continue working until September 27.
The confirmed death toll from the capsized Virgo Transport 8 ferry rose to 28 on September 23.
Authorities said 107 people remained missing, while 108 survivors had been accounted for.
The ferry was carrying 243 people, including 30 crew members, when it overturned on September 13.
Rescuers recovered 16 bodies from inside the vessel and found two more washed ashore.
The search has been extended through September 27, with divers focusing on cabins and potentially vehicles inside the ferry.
- Who
- Passengers and crew aboard the Virgo Transport 8 ferry, along with Indonesian coast guard, Navy, and rescue personnel.
- What
- The ferry capsized and sank, leaving 28 people dead, 107 missing, and 108 survivors accounted for.
- When
- The accident occurred early on September 13; the reported death toll was updated on September 23.
- Where
- The ferry was traveling from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan, where the underwater search is focused.
- Why
- The vessel capsized during bad weather.
- Confirmed deaths
- 28
- People missing
- 107
- Known survivors
- 108
- People aboard
- 243, including 30 crew members
- Accident date
- September 13
- Search extension
- Operations extended through September 27
- Vessel status
- The ferry remained capsized while efforts to right it were underway