One Dead, 102 Rescued as Indonesian Ferry Goes Missing in Java Sea

Indonesia's search and rescue agency said a passenger ferry carrying 243 people went missing in the Java Sea on Sunday after contact was lost with the vessel. The Virgo Transport 8 ship was travelling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin when it encountered bad weather, prompting an emergency call.

Search Rescue Operation Launched Immediately

A search and rescue operation was launched immediately, with multiple ships and a helicopter deployed to the scene. All vessels in the area of the Java Sea have been alerted to report any signs of passengers. The incident is the latest in a series of ferry accidents in Indonesia.

The Indonesian archipelago has more than 17,000 islands and ferries are a common form of transport. However, there have been several incidents in recent months. This includes a separate ferry that caught fire off Madura island last month, killing five.

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Virgo Transport Ship Had Begun

The Virgo Transport 8 ship had begun its maiden voyage from Surabaya on Saturday. According to the shipping company, the vessel was designed to carry up to 200 passengers and crew members.

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"We are working closely with the search and rescue teams to locate the missing passengers," said a spokesperson for Indonesia's maritime authority. "Our thoughts are with the families of those on board."

The search operation is ongoing, with multiple ships and a helicopter deployed to the scene. The Indonesian coast guard has also been involved in the rescue efforts.

An investigation into the cause of the ferry's disappearance is underway. The shipping company has promised to cooperate fully with the authorities.