Indonesia Ship Tragedy: 6 Dead, Over 100 Still Missing

Article by Kumar Published on: 6:18 pm, 13 September 2026

Another tragic maritime disaster happened as a passenger ferry lost contact and sank off the Java sea coast in Indonesia in the early hours of Sunday. Unfortunately, six people have died and dozens are still missing as rescuers managed to save more than 100 passengers till now.

As per reports, a Japanese-built ferry Virgo Transport 8 started its journey from Surabaya port in East Java heading towards Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan. The vessel lost its radar and alerted the authorities. Due to severe bad weather with 10 foot high waves, the vessel lost balance completely and sank in deep waters.

Rescue teams rushed to the location quickly and managed to save around 107 people. The search operation for missing survivors is continuing as more fatalities likely to be reported. So far, six passengers lost their lives.

Reports suggest that engine failure occurred after water flooded the lower deck making the vessel overturn. Several small boats were sent out to rescue the passengers. Strong water currents and heavy ocean waves are making the search operation very hard for rescue divers.

Passengers alleged that there was not enough life jackets available on the ship when the water started filling up the deck. Authorities are checking the official manifest list because many ferries carry unlisted passengers without proper ticket entries.