Indonesian rescuers initiated a search mission Sunday morning after a passenger vessel carrying more than 240 individuals lost communication in the Java Sea. The ship was traveling from East Java to South Kalimantan on Borneo island when the incident occurred.
According to the Search and Rescue Office in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, officials received a report approximately two hours after contact with the Virgo Transport 8 was lost around 2 a.m. The vessel had departed Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city, on Saturday at 10:13 a.m. local time.
I Putu Sudayana, head of the Search and Rescue Office, stated during a video briefing that the ship’s operator reported the incident after receiving alerts about severe weather conditions in the area. Initial reports placed the vessel’s last known location about 148 kilometers (92 miles) from the Banjarmasin pier. The ship’s manifest lists 241 passengers and crew on board.
PT Virgo Yoel Rihi, the operator of the vessel, confirmed the loss of contact. In response, a rescue team was mobilized to the Basirih Search and Rescue pier in Banjarmasin, and a rescue ship was dispatched toward the estimated position of the missing vessel.
Sudayana emphasized that authorities are coordinating with maritime agencies and monitoring weather patterns closely as they deploy all available personnel and assets for the search. There are currently no reports of casualties.
Two hours delay in reporting seems long for modern GPS tracking. Authorities need to investigate why they lost contact so abruptly in such busy waters.
No casualties reported yet? That is a small miracle. Let’s hope the rescue ship arrives before the weather gets any worse for those trapped aboard.
Is this ship seaworthy? Fourteen days ago there were reports of ferry overloading in Indonesia. I worry this might not end well.
Java Sea storms can be incredibly dangerous. I trust the Indonesian SAR team will do everything possible. Stay safe, everyone on that ship.
Oh no, 241 people! I hope the search teams find them safely. Praying for clear weather to help the rescue efforts tonight.