Indonesian Authorities Recover More Bodies Near Capsized Ferry in Java Sea
Indonesian authorities recovered more bodies near the site where the KMP Virgo Transport 8 ferry capsized in the Java Sea, as families anxiously await news of dozens of missing passengers.
Indonesian authorities recovered more bodies on Friday near the site where a passenger ferry capsized in the Java Sea earlier this week, according to local broadcaster Kompas TV, citing the Indonesian Navy.
The ferry, KMP Virgo Transport 8, capsized on Sunday after encountering severe weather during its voyage from Surabaya to the city of Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan. Communication with the vessel was lost after it ran into the treacherous conditions.
Search and Rescue Operations
According to data released following the disaster, 243 people were on board the ferry. Initially, six fatalities were reported alongside 107 survivors, while 130 others remained missing. Ships and a helicopter were deployed to the disaster zone, with approximately 280 personnel participating in the search and rescue operation.
"My tears have already dried. We have not heard from my only child to this day. I will wait here until they are found," said Sonari, a 50-year-old waiting at the Trisakti port in Banjarmasin.
Families Demand Faster Divers
Relatives of the missing have been waiting at the port in hopes of news. Sonari suspects her daughter and son-in-law are still trapped inside the capsized vessel, which currently rests at a depth of roughly 29 meters.
Families have expressed frustration with rescue teams, arguing that operations are moving too slowly and that divers should immediately enter the hull of the sunken ship rather than focusing searches on the water's surface.
