Indonesia launched a massive search operation after the Virgo Transport 8 ferry, carrying more than 240 people, overturned in rough seas in the Java Sea on Sunday.
Officials confirmed that around 140 passengers and crew remain missing, while 102 survivors have been rescued and one body recovered.
The vessel, which departed Surabaya on Saturday morning bound for Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan, sent a distress message reporting waves up to 10 feet before capsizing. The incident occurred about 148 kilometres from Banjarmasin pier, according to maritime authorities.
Rescue teams, assisted by tugboats and nearby vessels, are expanding operations under the coordination of I Putu Sudayana, head of the Search and Rescue Office. The ferry’s manifest listed 243 people on board, though officials noted passenger counts often differ in practice.
The Japanese-built ferry, designed to carry both passengers and vehicles, is the latest in a string of maritime disasters in the region. Indonesia, with its archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, relies heavily on ferries, but weak safety enforcement has led to repeated tragedies.
Last month, a ferry caught fire near Bali, leaving one dead and four missing, while another blaze off Java killed five. The Java Sea accident also follows a deadly ferry fire in the Philippines that claimed at least 76 lives.
Authorities said all available personnel and assets are being mobilised, with weather conditions closely monitored as the search continues.
