Indonesia says 6 killed, 129 missing after ferry capsizes off Java

Indonesia notes 6 killed, 129 missing after ferry capsizes off Java.

Key points

• The vessel's last position had been detected in the Java Sea, around 150 kilometres (93 miles) from its destination.
• Basarnas, Indonesia's national search and rescue agency, remarked six residents were killed and 129 others were missing.
• Some climbed onto tables, some were pushing each other, survivor Rinto Arahap, 33, informed AFP.
• With waves more than two metres (6.6 feet) high, individuals began shouting and fighting for life jackets as the vessel tilted, Arahap stated.

Indonesia notes 6 killed, 129 missing after ferry capsizes off Java. AFP Published September 13, 2026 Updated September 13, 2026 10: 08pm. Join our Whatsapp Channel. Add Dawn as a trusted source.

Rescuers in Indonesia remarked at least six residents were killed and 129 others were missing after a ferry capsized in rough seas on Sunday, with one survivor recounting scenes of panic as passengers scrambled for life jackets.

Notably, the Virgo Transport 8 – which authorities remarked carried 213 passengers and 30 crew – lost contact with its shipping business early Sunday after departing from Surabaya in East Java.

Basarnas, Indonesia's national search and rescue agency, remarked six residents were killed and 129 others were missing. Another 108 individuals were rescued.

"Individuals were panicking. Some climbed onto tables, some were pushing each other, " survivor Rinto Arahap, 33, informed AFP.

He remarked numerous passengers were asleep when the vessel began listing at around 2am on Sunday (11pm PKT Saturday), adding that he heard what sounded like metal breaking regarding five hours into the journey.

"There was no warning from the ship's crew. Basically, it was just someone taking the initiative, shouting, 'Oh, the ship is listing, listing, listing, '" he remarked from a stretcher at a health facility in Banjarmasin, where survivors were taken.

Notably, the first rescue ship carrying survivors arrived before nightfall at a pier in Banjarmasin, on the southern coast of Borneo island, an AFP reporter saw. Some of the survivors were carried on stretchers into waiting ambulances. Others were put into wheelchairs or needed support walking. Indonesian Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi remarked the ship had capsized.

Local search and rescue chief I Putu Sudayana earlier informed AFP that the ship's captain had noted to its owners before losing contact that the vessel was "tilting".

Rescuers battled waves of up to 2.5 metres to reach the ferry, Sudayana remarked to journalists.

As well as other vessels from the navy, police, the rescue agency and the ferry firm, two helicopters were involved in the search.

Notably, the vessel's last position had been detected in the Java Sea, around 150 kilometres (93 miles) from its destination.

Heri Purwanto, head of the Banjarmasin Sea Port Authority, remarked the ship. It was additionally carrying vehicles, lost contact at 2: 00 am on Sunday. "We responded quickly to the incident report, " he remarked.

Arahap informed AFP he grabbed a life jacket before the ship overturned, saying he and others were adrift for concerning four hours before they were rescued.

"I didn't save anything, just myself, " remarked Arahap, who was travelling to Samarinda in East Kalimantan to start work on a palm oil plantation.

My wallet, everything. Was lost. Things like my school diploma were gone. All my clothes were swept away.

Rescue authorities have established a command centre at the Banjarmasin port, with paramedics and ambulances on standby, an AFP reporter saw.

Dozens of relatives and friends of the passengers checked a whiteboard where the names of individuals rescued were being updated.

Jenah, 26, informed AFP she came to the command post for information concerning her older brother.

"I am saddened and particularly shocked. Until now, I haven't received any more information, " remarked Jenah, who, like numerous Indonesians, has only one name.

"He was travelling alone. I hope he survives. I couldn't contact him since last night." Marine accidents are a regular occurrence in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17, 000 islands that relies heavily on boat connections for daily transport and tourism.

Lax safety standards and unpredictable weather are the main reasons for the disasters.

Indonesia, an archipelago of 17, 000 islands, relies heavily on ferries as a key mode of transportation, with sea routes more affordable and readily available than air travel.

Nevertheless, safety standards are not always rigorously enforced, resulting in a relatively high accident rate.

Last month, an Indo­nesian ferry caught fire at sea, killing five individuals and leaving anot­her 41 missing after some jumped overboard.

For now, indonesia says 6 killed, 129 missing after ferry capsizes off Java remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.