Indonesian authorities have confirmed that divers have recovered a total of 52 bodies from a ferry that capsized in rough seas earlier this month. The Virgo Transport 8 ferry was traveling from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan on Borneo Island with 243 people on board when it issued a distress call on September 13. The vessel was listing in rough seas with waves reaching 3 meters.
The ferry capsized in the waters of the Masalembo archipelago in the Java Sea, prompting a dayslong search operation by Indonesian authorities. During the search, divers smashed ferry windows underwater to enter the ship and recover the bodies of passengers. Authorities had rescued 108 people, but 83 people remain missing. Indonesia's Search and Rescue Agency said all available resources were being deployed in the search operation.
Mohammad Syafii, head of Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency, stated that the primary focus is to locate the missing victims and provide closure to their families. The agency is still planning to salvage the ferry and pull the wreckage from a depth of about 30 meters. The recovered bodies have been taken to the police hospital in the Borneo city of Banjarmasin for identification before being handed over to their families.
Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands where ferries are a common method of travel. Disasters occur regularly, with weak safety enforcement often blamed. The Indonesian government has faced criticism for its handling of maritime safety, with many calling for improved regulations and enforcement.
The search operation has been challenging due to the rough seas and remote location of the incident. Despite these challenges, Indonesian authorities have been working tirelessly to locate the missing victims and provide assistance to those affected. The incident has raised concerns about maritime safety in Indonesia and the need for improved safety measures.
The Virgo Transport 8 ferry incident is one of several maritime disasters to occur in Indonesia in recent years. In 2022, a passenger ship capsized in the Java Sea, resulting in the deaths of several people. The incident highlighted the need for improved safety measures and regulations in the maritime industry.
The Indonesian government has announced plans to improve maritime safety, including the implementation of new regulations and the upgrading of safety equipment on ferries. The government has also increased funding for search and rescue operations, which will help to improve response times and effectiveness in the event of a maritime disaster.
Key points
- 52 bodies recovered from capsized Indonesian ferry
- 83 people remain missing after ferry capsizes in rough seas
- Indonesian authorities plan to salvage the ferry and improve maritime safety measures
