The death toll from a capsized Indonesian ferry has risen to 66, with 69 passengers still unaccounted for as search efforts continue. The Virgo Transport 8 sank on September 13 while carrying 243 people, including crew members and vehicles, amid poor weather conditions during its journey from East Java to South Kalimantan.
Search teams are facing significant challenges, including unstable debris and hazardous conditions within the wreck. Divers are limited to a maximum depth of 27 meters and are focused on locating missing passengers in the ship’s cabins. The presence of leaking fuel and dense gas concentrations adds to the dangers, hindering their progress.
Rescue officials have indicated that some recovered bodies may be airlifted from the Java Sea. The ongoing search has been complicated by the ship’s tilting and the presence of sharp objects, which pose risks to divers. The urgency of the situation is compounded by the emotional distress experienced by families of those missing, as the search drags on into its 16th day. Currently, there are 108 survivors, but the difficult conditions have slowed the recovery efforts significantly.
