Ferry Disaster in the Java Sea: Search for Missing Passengers Continues

At a rescuers’ command center in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, people searched for relatives’ names on a passenger list of a ferry that overturned in the Java Sea during bad weather. The incident occurred on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

Indonesian rescuers reported that approximately 130 passengers and crew are missing after the ferry, with more than 240 onboard, sank during its voyage in rough seas. So far, 107 individuals have been rescued and six bodies have been located as search efforts continue near the vessel’s last known position.

Ferry Details and Search Efforts

The ferry was en route from Surabaya, East Java, to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan province. Before the disaster, the captain had noted rough seas with waves reaching up to 3 meters (10 feet) and sent a distress call about the ship’s listing, according to I Putu Sudayana, head of the Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Office.

The rescue office received a report two hours after losing contact with the Virgo Transport 8 at 2 a.m. Sunday. Upon receiving information of the vessel’s overturning, authorities initiated a search operation focusing on the estimated last position of the ferry. They dispatched rescue teams supported by navy and other vessels, along with a helicopter.

Reportedly, the Virgo Transport 8 was carrying 243 people, though often the actual number differs from official records. Search efforts had rescued 107 individuals and recovered six bodies by Sunday afternoon.

Impact on Families and Community

At Banjarmasin’s Trisakti port, hundreds of family members gathered at a command center anxiously awaiting news. Many combed through passenger lists and rescue logs for updates.

A woman named Bunga expressed her relief upon learning her uncle had been rescued after spotting his name on the manifest.

Ferry Safety Concerns

Indonesia, an archipelago consisting of over 17,000 islands, frequently relies on ferries for travel. Unfortunately, disasters often occur due to inadequate safety enforcement. Just last month, another incident involved an Indonesian ferry catching fire, leading to multiple rescues, one death, and several missing people.

Moreover, a recent fire on a ferry in the Philippines resulted in 76 fatalities and left many unaccounted for, highlighting the ongoing challenges with maritime safety in the region.