Indonesian ferry loses contact in Java Sea, 6 dead and 97 rescued

Six people have died, and 97 have been rescued after the Virgo Transport 8 passenger ferry lost contact during bad weather in the Java Sea today, September 13, while a major search continues for those still unaccounted for.

The ferry was carrying 243 people when contact was lost on its journey from Surabaya to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan.

Based on the numbers released so far, 140 people remain unaccounted for.

Indonesian search and rescue teams have deployed ships and a helicopter to the area, with the navy, maritime police and other parties also involved in the operation.