Ferry Tragedy Sparks Revival of Indonesia’s ‘Bermuda Triangle’ Legend
A ferry disaster near Masalembu Islands sparks renewed attention to Indonesia's 'Bermuda Triangle' myth. Search efforts continue for 129 missing.
POLICY WIRE — Jakarta, Indonesia — A recent ferry tragedy in the Java Sea has reignited discussions about the Masalembu Islands, an area infamous for maritime disasters and a local legend often likened to the Bermuda Triangle.
The Virgo Transport 8 sank this week while en route from Surabaya to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan on Borneo, carrying 243 passengers and crew. At least six people have died, 108 have been rescued, and 129 remain unaccounted for as of Thursday.
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Basarnas, Indonesia’s national search and rescue agency, has deployed 1,097 personnel, 17 vessels, and five aircraft to locate the missing. The region is known for powerful currents that can become especially hazardous during the east monsoon season, which runs from April to October. This has led to a series of major accidents over the decades, reinforcing its ominous reputation.
Historians note that the area’s dangerous history, including the 1981 sinking of the Tampomas II and the 2007 crash of Adam Air 574, has contributed to the local mythos. Experts warn that the region’s unpredictable weather and strong currents pose real risks to navigation, though the legend persists in popular culture, even inspiring a TV series about a plane crash in the same waters.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
