Minister says Virgo Transport 8 was under half full when it vanished in Java Sea
Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the ferry Virgo Transport 8 was carrying only 243 passengers, well below its 500-person capacity, when it lost contact in the Java Sea.
The ferry Virgo Transport 8 went missing in the Java Sea early Sunday, losing contact near Masalembo at about 2:00 a.m. while traveling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin. Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi told a press conference that the ship was carrying 243 passengers, well below its 500-person capacity, dismissing speculation that overloading caused the incident. The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) reported that 108 people have been rescued, six deaths have been confirmed, and 129 passengers remain unaccounted for.
A total of 86 individuals, including 85 survivors and one deceased, have already been brought ashore at Trisakti Port in Banjarmasin. Survivors needing urgent care were taken to nearby hospitals, while those in stable condition were handed to the shipping operator for assistance in returning home. Search and rescue efforts continue in the Java Sea.
Why it matters
Clarifies that the tragedy was not due to overloading and highlights the ongoing search for dozens of missing passengers.
How this story developed
- Sep 8 Respiratory Cases Surge in Bandarlampung Amid Anak Krakatau Eruption
- Sep 9 Search was restarted with four SAR units and thermal drones slated for flight.
- Sep 10 Search was broadened on Sept 9 into four SAR sectors after the initial sweep found no results.
- Sep 12 The ferry Virgo Transport 8, carrying 243 passengers, lost contact while sailing from Surabaya to Banjarmasin, prompting a search operation.
- Sep 13 Rescue teams have been dispatched to the last reported position.
- Sep 14 Capsizing confirmed with six fatalities and roughly 140 people still missing.
In this story
Related stories
15 in this thread