Indonesian rescuers have raised the confirmed death toll to 64 after recovering more bodies from the Virgo Transport 8 ferry that capsized in the Java Sea two weeks ago. The National Search and Rescue Agency said the search for 71 people still missing has been extended by seven days and will be reviewed every three days. The ferry was carrying 213 passengers and 30 crew; 108 people have been rescued and 11 bodies were recently recovered from the vessel and nearby shores. Authorities cite weak safety enforcement as a recurring issue in Indonesian maritime incidents.
Death Toll Rises to 64 After Virgo Transport 8 Capsizes in Java Sea; 71 Still Missing
In this photo released by Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), rescuers carry the body of a victim of a ferry capsize earlier this month, upon arrival in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (BASARNAS via AP)(BASARNAS via AP)
Indonesian rescuers have recovered additional bodies from the wreck of a ferry that capsized in the Java Sea two weeks ago, bringing the confirmed death toll to 64.
The National Search and Rescue Agency's operation director, Yudhi Bramantyo, said the search for 71 people who remain missing — all presumed dead — has been extended by seven days as crews continue recovery efforts.
Virgo Transport 8 was carrying 213 passengers and 30 crew members (243 people in total) when it lost contact with its operator after departing Surabaya for Borneo Island. So far, 108 people have been rescued.
In this photo released by Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), rescuers remove the body of a victim of a ferry capsize earlier this month, from a helicopter upon arrival in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (BASARNAS via AP)(BASARNAS via AP)
Rescue teams recovered four bodies from inside the submerged ferry on Friday and found seven more along nearby shorelines, Bramantyo said. Officials plan to evaluate the operation every three days to determine whether it should continue. Under Indonesian regulations, search-and-rescue missions typically last seven days but may be extended if authorities believe additional victims could still be found.
Context and Safety Concerns
Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, where ferries are a common mode of transport. Maritime disasters occur regularly, and weak safety enforcement is frequently cited as a contributing factor.
“We will continue the operation as long as there is a reasonable chance of finding survivors or recovering victims,” Bramantyo said, underscoring the ongoing efforts of search teams and local authorities.
Rescue teams and authorities remain on site, coordinating with local agencies and continuing to search surrounding waters and shorelines for the missing passengers and crew.
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