The death toll from the capsized Virgo Transport 8 ferry in Indonesia has risen to 66, with search and rescue operations entering their 16th day, according to reports published September 28, 2026.
The ferry sank on September 13 during severe weather while traveling from Surabaya in East Java Province to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan Province. A total of 243 people were on board, including 30 crew members. Authorities said 108 people have been rescued, while 69 remain missing.
Divers are working in hazardous conditions to locate the missing passengers. According to Hardiansyah Putra, a senior official from Indonesia's search and rescue agency, divers are navigating through unstable debris and leaking fuel as they attempt to access compartments within the wreck. The challenging underwater environment, including water depth, currents, and structural instability, has complicated recovery efforts.
Ferry travel is a critical component of transportation in Indonesia, which comprises thousands of islands. Boats and ferries connect communities across the archipelago, supporting trade and providing access to work, education, and essential services. The country has experienced numerous maritime accidents in recent years.
The ship's owner and insurers are in the process of selecting a lead salvage contractor from firms based in the United States, United Kingdom, and Indonesia to right and recover the vessel, according to reports. The salvage operation will proceed alongside ongoing search efforts for the missing passengers.
Rescue crews continue their work despite the difficult conditions presented by the wreck's location in the Java Sea and the structural damage sustained during the capsizing.