Indonesia To Right Capsized Passenger Vessel In Java Sea As Search Continues For 129 People

Authorities in Indonesia are preparing to right a capsized passenger vessel that turned over the previous weekend in the Java Sea, killing 6 people.

The Virgo Transport 8 was sailing from East Java’s Surabaya to South Kalimantan’s Banjarmasin when it overturned due to rough weather conditions on Sunday. It was carrying 243 people, of whom 108 survived, and the other 129 people remain missing.

Aircraft and naval ships were also employed on Wednesday to conduct searches, but nothing could be found, and efforts are continuing. The vessel capsized 80 nm from the port of Banjarmasin and has since moved 450 m and is in 29 m-deep waters.

The decision to right the vessel comes as strong winds, waves and currents are preventing rescue teams from conducting an underwater search operation to find the people who have not been found yet, even though a week has passed since the tragic incident.

The Navy of Indonesia and its national rescue organisation are coordinating their efforts to locate the missing individuals.

They would assess the plan to turn the ship over and also decide on the equipment needed for the same to conduct a deep search underwater, sources suggest.

The Chief of the National Rescue Agency, Mohammad Syafii, spoke in a press conference recently, where he told the media that after salvaging the vessel and conducting the search, it would be towed for further investigation into the cause and circumstances of the accident.

He added that turning the vessel over would take almost an entire day, but it could take more time if complications arise or weather conditions do not remain favourable.

Two Rescue teams comprising naval personnel began an underwater search; however, they had to stop midway because the current was around seven knots, which is quite dangerous even for experienced divers. Diving is considered safe in currents less than one and a half knots.

The evidence found during the dives and search across the area would be sent to the National Transportation Safety Committee to help in the investigation, officials informed.

Authorities have extended their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and those who remain missing.