Jakarta: Indonesian authorities deployed more than 600 rescuers on Monday to search for 129 people still missing after a passenger ship capsized in the Java Sea, according to local media reports.
The Virgo Transport 8, carrying 243 people, overturned in bad weather early Sunday while travelling from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan.
At least 108 people have been rescued and six confirmed dead, Indonesian news outlet Detik.com reported, citing figures from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) and the Transportation Ministry.
Basarnas chief Mohammad Syafii said around 622 personnel had been deployed as authorities expanded the search operation, with ships and aircraft taking part. Specialised underwater teams and Navy-operated underwater drones were also being deployed.
Indonesia’s Navy said it had sent five naval vessels as well as CN-235 aircraft and helicopters to support the joint search and rescue operation.
Basarnas Deputy for Operations and Readiness Edy Prakoso said rough seas contributed to the ship listing before it capsized.
“The ship was hit by waves from the starboard side, causing it to tilt,” Prakoso said.
Survivor Ahmad Saudi told local news outlet Kompas that the vessel began listing rapidly at around 1.20am. He said he heard no alarm or warning from the crew before passengers realised an emergency was unfolding.
Search operations are continuing for the 129 people who remain unaccounted for.