Search underway for 130 people after Indonesian passenger ship carrying more than 240 people overturns

Updated on: September 13, 2026 / 7:18 AM EDT / AP

A ferry overturned in bad weather in Indonesia's Java Sea on Sunday, leaving about 130 passengers and crew missing, rescuers said. At least 107 people were rescued and the bodies of six passengers were recovered as the search operation expanded around the vessel's last known position.

The ferry with more than 240 people was traveling from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan province, on Borneo Island, officials said.

The vessel's captain had reported rough seas with waves up to 10 feet before issuing a distress call, saying the ship was listing, said I Putu Sudayana, who heads the Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Office. Authorities later received information indicating the vessel had overturned.

The rescue agency in Banjarmasin said it received a report two hours after contact was lost with the Virgo Transport 8 at about 2 a.m. Sunday.

A rescue ship was headed to the vessel's last known position, he said, and by Sunday afternoon authorities were deploying teams supported by eight vessels, including four navy ship, and two helicopters.

Initial information indicated the vessel's last known position was in the Java Sea, about 92 miles…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/world/