A routine ferry journey has turned into a desperate race against time in Indonesia.
Six people have died and 107 have been rescued after the Virgo Transport 8 capsized in the Java Sea, authorities say.
But the crisis is far from over. Around 130 people remain missing after the ferry encountered severe weather and contact was lost.
The vessel was carrying 213 passengers and 30 crew members while travelling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin.
A major search operation is now underway. It involves ships, a helicopter and about 280 personnel from Indonesia’s rescue agency, navy and maritime police.
Other vessels in the area have also been asked to watch for survivors.
For families waiting at the ports, every update matters.
Survivors And Families Wait
Rusmilawati was searching for eight relatives aboard the ferry when she recalled their final message.
One relative had written: “The waves are really frightening tonight.”
Some families have received happier news. Misnah broke down in tears after learning her husband, a freight driver, had survived.
He was rescued by another vessel. Others are still waiting.
Ferries are essential across Indonesia’s thousands of islands, but accidents remain a recurring danger.
Now, as rescuers search the waters, the question is painfully simple: how many more can they bring home alive?
