Indonesian authorities have started searching for a passenger ship carrying 240 people after it lost contact in the Java Sea during a journey to South Kalimantan. The vessel was travelling from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin, the provincial capital, when communication was interrupted.
The search began on Sunday after the operator notified officials that the ship’s communication system had failed. The operator also reported that the vessel had encountered difficult weather conditions. No casualties have been reported so far.
Search operation under way
A rescue team was dispatched to the Basirih search and rescue pier in Banjarmasin. A rescue vessel was then sent towards the ship’s last known possible location in the Java Sea.
That location was estimated to be about 148 kilometres from a pier in Banjarmasin. Officials are using available personnel and resources because the ship had a large number of passengers and crew members on board.
The Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Office is coordinating the operation with maritime authorities and other relevant agencies. Teams are also closely monitoring weather conditions in the search area, which could affect the operation.
Route and vessel identification
The ship departed from Surabaya at 10:13am local time on Saturday. Its planned destination was Banjarmasin, across the Java Sea on Borneo island.
The report identifies the vessel by 2 different names: “Worko Transport 8” and “Virgo Transport 8”. Its operator is identified as PT Virgo Yoel Rihi.
I Putu Sudayana, head of the Banjarmasin search and rescue office, said during a video briefing that authorities were informed after the operator reported the communication problem and weather conditions. He said the agency was working with other authorities while tracking conditions in the area.
What is known about the passengers
The ship was carrying 240 people, including passengers and crew members. Its contact was lost while it was travelling from East Java towards South Kalimantan.
Authorities have not reported any deaths or injuries. The search operation remains focused on locating the vessel and establishing contact with those on board.
Conclusion
The search for the passenger ship continues in the Java Sea after contact was lost during its voyage from Surabaya to Banjarmasin. Rescue teams and maritime agencies are coordinating the operation, with weather conditions being monitored closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many people were on the missing ship?
The ship was carrying 240 people, including passengers and crew members.
Q. Where did the ship lose contact?
Contact was lost in the Java Sea while the vessel was travelling towards South Kalimantan.
Q. What route was the ship taking?
It was travelling from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan.
Q. Has anyone been reported dead or injured?
No casualties have been reported so far.
Q. When did the ship leave Surabaya?
The operator said the vessel departed at 10:13am local time on Saturday.
Q. Where was the ship last located?
Its last known possible location was about 148 kilometres from a pier in Banjarmasin.
Q. What caused the loss of contact?
The operator reported a communication-system failure after the ship encountered difficult weather conditions.
Q. Which vessel is being searched for?
The report refers to the vessel as both “Worko Transport 8” and “Virgo Transport 8”. Its operator is identified as PT Virgo Yoel Rihi.
