At least 6 dead and more than 100 missing after Indonesian ferry overturns in rough seas

An Indonesian passenger ferry, the Virgo Transport 8, capsized in rough seas in the Java Sea on Sunday, September 13, 2026, while en route from Surabaya, Java, to Banjarmasin, Borneo. The vessel, carrying 243 individuals, including 213 passengers and 30 crew members, lost contact with its operator early Sunday morning after its captain reported encountering severe weather and the ship listing.

Authorities have confirmed at least six fatalities, with approximately 129 to 130 people currently reported missing following the incident. Search and rescue operations, involving multiple ships and a helicopter, have managed to rescue between 107 and 108 individuals.

The ongoing search for survivors and those unaccounted for is being hindered by challenging conditions, including high waves up to 2.5 meters. Investigations into the exact cause of the capsizing are underway, with weather and potential technical failures being examined.