Indonesia intensifies search for more than 120 missing after ferry capsizes in Java Sea

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Published: 2026-09-14T06:30:41.112Z • Permanent link

Rescue teams from the Indonesian Navy have been searching for more than 120 people missing after the Virgo Transport 8 ferry capsized in the Java Sea on Monday, November 27. The incident occurred when the ferry, carrying 435 passengers and crew, began to list and eventually capsized in the early hours of the morning. Indonesian President Joko Widodo has ordered an investigation into the incident, with officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Maritime and Fisheries Ministry leading the inquiry. According to reports, the ferry was traveling from the city of Jakarta to the island of Belitung when the accident occurred.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with survivors jumping into the sea to escape the sinking vessel. Local authorities have reported that several survivors have been rescued so far, but many more are still missing. The Indonesian Navy has deployed specialized underwater teams and navy-operated underwater drones to aid in the search and rescue efforts. The operation is being led by the Navy's Maritime Operations Command, with support from local emergency services and rescue teams.

Rescue efforts are expected to continue for several days, with officials urging caution and vigilance in the search for survivors. The Indonesian government has also launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, with officials from the NTSB and the Maritime and Fisheries Ministry working to determine the factors that led to the ferry capsizing.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Indonesia's maritime industry, which has been plagued by a series of accidents and incidents in recent years. The loss of life and property in the Virgo Transport 8 ferry capsizing is a stark reminder of the risks faced by passengers and crew in Indonesia's busy shipping lanes. The incident also raises concerns about the country's maritime safety regulations and enforcement, with many calling for greater investment in safety measures and training for crew members.

Industry insiders are also watching the incident closely, with many predicting that it will lead to increased scrutiny of the maritime industry in Indonesia. Companies such as PT Pelni, the state-owned shipping line, have been called upon to explain their role in the incident and to provide details of their safety procedures and protocols. The incident is also likely to have implications for the country's tourism industry, with many visitors drawn to Indonesia's beautiful coastline and island resorts.

The Virgo Transport 8 ferry capsizing is part of a larger pattern of maritime accidents and incidents that have plagued Indonesia in recent years. In 2019, a cargo ship carrying chemicals capsized off the coast of Jakarta, resulting in several fatalities and widespread environmental damage. The incident highlighted the need for greater investment in maritime safety measures and enforcement in Indonesia. The country has since implemented a number of measures to improve safety, including the introduction of new regulations and the establishment of a national maritime safety authority.