Six Dead, 130 Missing After Virgo Transport 8 Capsizes in Java Sea

The ro-ro passenger ferry Virgo Transport 8 capsized in the Java Sea early September 13, about 80 nautical miles off Banjarmasin, Indonesia, leaving six people dead and around 130 missing. The ferry was sailing from Surabaya to Banjarmasin with 243 people and vehicles onboard when it developed a sharp list about five hours into the voyage. Contact with the vessel was later lost. Nearby vessels, including Haida and Mauhau 9, diverted to the last known position and rescued 108 survivors, while six bodies were recovered. Indonesian authorities deployed naval and search-and-rescue vessels, aircraft and about 300 personnel. Operations have been hampered by rough seas, with waves reaching three metres.