The ferry Virgo Transport 8, carrying 243 people, lost contact with its shipping company early Sunday morning after departing from Surabaya in East Java, according to the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency, known as Basarnas. Six people died and 130 remain missing, while 107 individuals have been rescued from the disaster in the Java Sea.
Official Findings on the Virgo Transport 8 Accident
Indonesian Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated during a press conference in Banjarmasin that the vessel capsized rather than sinking immediately. Helicopter monitoring data confirmed the ship’s position. According to Dudy Purwagandhi, the vessel had not sunk by 3:00 p.m. local time (10:00 a.m. Lithuanian time), though it remained overturned in the water.
Local search and rescue operations chief I Putu Sudayana reported that the ship’s captain contacted owners before the connection failed to state that the vessel was “listing.” The final location of the ferry was recorded in the Java Sea, roughly 150 kilometers from its intended destination. Heri Purwanto, head of the Banjarmasin port authority, confirmed that the ferry, which was also transporting vehicles, lost contact at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Rescue Challenges in the Java Sea
Rescuers faced severe weather conditions while attempting to reach the site. According to I Putu Sudayana, crews had to battle waves reaching up to 2.5 meters in height. These conditions created extreme risks for marine transit. “For ships, this is extremely high risk. A high risk arises even for our Basarnas ship, which is 40 meters long,” I Putu Sudayana told journalists. A Basarnas helicopter was deployed to assist with the ongoing operation.
Did you know?
The Indonesian archipelago consists of more than 17 tūkst. salų and supports a massive population. Ferries serve as a primary mode of transportation for both passengers and goods across the island chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were on board the Virgo Transport 8?
According to Basarnas, the ferry carried 243 people in total, comprising 213 passengers and 30 crew members.
What was the condition of the vessel after the incident?
Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi stated that helicopter monitoring showed the vessel had capsized but had not sunk.
Where did the incident take place?
The final location was recorded in the Java Sea, about 150 kilometers from the destination, after departing Surabaya in East Java.
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