Full Breakdown
Search Launched for Indonesian Passenger Vessel After Loss of Contact in Java Sea
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
The passenger ship Virgo Transport 8 departed Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city, bound for Banjarmasin, the capital of South Kalimantan province. While crossing the Java Sea, the vessel’s operator reported a communication failure amid worsening weather conditions. The ship’s manifest listed over 240 people aboard—reports vary between 241, 243 and “more than 240” passengers. No immediate casualties were reported.
Vessel and Route Details
The vessel left Surabaya on Saturday morning at approximately 10:13 a.m. local time and was last known to be about 148 km (92 miles) from the Banjarmasin pier when contact was lost in the early hours of Sunday. The operator, identified as Virgo Yoel Rihi, alerted authorities after receiving information that the ship had encountered bad weather.
Rescue Operations
The Search and Rescue Office in Banjarmasin received the report two hours after the loss of contact. Operations chief Arianto Ardi confirmed that rescue personnel were dispatched and an operations post was established at Trisakti. Head of the Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Office I Putu Sudayana said the ship’s operator had informed authorities promptly, prompting the launch of a coordinated search effort.
Official Statements & Responses
- Arianto Ardi emphasized the rapid mobilization of resources, noting the establishment of an operations post to coordinate the search.
- I Putu Sudayana reiterated that the incident was reported after the vessel encountered adverse weather, and that search teams were actively scanning the last known location.
Verbatim Quote
- “We have established an operations post at Trisakti,” — Arianto
The ongoing search underscores Indonesia’s maritime safety challenges, particularly in regions prone to sudden weather changes. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, with updates expected as rescue teams progress.