Indonesian Passenger Ship Carrying 243 People Loses Contact in Java Sea, 1 Dead; 140 Missing

September 13, 2026

Jakarta: A passenger ship carrying 243 people lost contact in the Java Sea while travelling from Indonesia’s East Java province to South Kalimantan on Borneo island, triggering a major search and rescue operation.

The vessel, identified as Virgo Transport 8, was travelling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin when it encountered severe weather and lost contact with authorities. The vessel was later reported to have overturned in the Java Sea.

According to the latest information from Indonesian search and rescue authorities, 103 people have been evacuated, while one person has died. Around 140 people remain unaccounted for, and rescue teams are continuing their search for survivors.

Virgo Transport 8 Loses Contact After Bad Weather

The ship departed Surabaya on Saturday, September 12, bound for Banjarmasin, the capital of South Kalimantan. Authorities received information that the vessel had encountered severe weather during the journey.

The Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Office said the ship lost contact early Sunday after facing difficult weather conditions. Its last known location was in the Java Sea, around 148 kilometres from Banjarmasin.

The ship’s operator, PT Virgo Yoel Rihi, reported the loss of contact to authorities. Initial information indicated that the vessel had left Surabaya at around 10:13 a.m. on Saturday.

Rescue Teams, Ships and Helicopter Deployed

Following the report, Indonesian authorities launched a large-scale search and rescue operation. Rescue teams were deployed from the Basirih Search and Rescue Pier in Banjarmasin, while vessels were sent towards the ship’s last known location.

Several vessels have since taken part in the rescue operation, with authorities also deploying a helicopter to assist in the search from the air. Three nearby commercial vessels helped evacuate people from the stricken vessel.

Authorities have confirmed that 103 people were evacuated, including 102 survivors and one deceased person. Rescue operations remain underway for those still missing.

Around 140 People Still Missing

With 243 people listed on the vessel, approximately 140 people remain unaccounted for after the latest evacuations.

The search operation is continuing in the Java Sea as rescue teams use ships and helicopters to locate those still missing. Authorities are also working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred amid severe weather conditions.

The incident has drawn concern among families of those aboard the vessel, while Indonesian authorities continue efforts to locate and rescue the remaining passengers and crew.