129 Missing After Passenger Ship Capsizes in Java Sea as Rescuers Face Challenging Conditions

Rescuers search for 129 missing after passenger ship capsizes in Java Sea. Six confirmed deaths, 108 rescued so far.

September 14, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Banjarmasin, Indonesia — Over 100 individuals remain unaccounted for following the capsizing of a passenger vessel in the Java Sea, as emergency teams struggle against rough seas to locate survivors and recover bodies.

The incident occurred during severe weather conditions, with waves reaching up to three meters high, according to officials. The Virgo Transport 8, which was en route from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan, vanished early Sunday due to the adverse conditions, carrying 243 passengers.

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As of Monday, rescuers have successfully retrieved 108 people from the wreckage, but 129 are still missing. The death toll stands at six, with officials reporting that choppy waters and strong winds continue to hinder operations. A total of 622 personnel, 17 vessels, five helicopters, and aircraft have been mobilized for the ongoing search, though access to the capsized ship remains difficult.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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