103 Evacuated After Passenger Ship Virgo 8 with 243 Aboard Goes Missing in Java Sea

Banjarmasin, MINA – A total of 103 people have been successfully evacuated after the passenger ship Virgo 8, carrying 243 passengers, went missing in the Java Sea in the early hours of Sunday.

Head of the Banjarmasin Class A Search and Rescue Office, I Putu Sudayana, provided the update in a press conference on Sunday. “As of 12:00, passengers have been successfully evacuated by elements at the location. We can inform you that the total number of passengers evacuated is 103 people,” said Putu.

He then stated, “With details: TB Mahau evacuated 16 survivors, one deceased.” Putu said the survivors will be brought to Tuban Port, East Java. Furthermore, he explained that Tugboat TCP evacuated 38 survivors and MP Haida evacuated 49 survivors. Thus, the total evacuated reached 103 passengers.

The Virgo 8 lost contact at around 02:00 WITA after experiencing bad weather during its journey. The ship departed from Surabaya on Saturday (September 12) at 10:13 GMT. General Manager of PT Virgo, Yoel Rihi, then reported to the Banjarmasin SAR Office at around 04:10 WITA. The last known position was in the Java Sea, approximately 80 nautical miles from the Basirih SAR Pier in Banjarmasin.

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In response, at 04:30 WITA, the Banjarmasin SAR Office dispatched a rescue team. The agency also coordinated with various parties in the search and rescue operation.

The evacuation operation involved multiple vessels, including TB Mahau, Tugboat TCP, and MP Haida, which were deployed to the scene.

The survivors are being transported to Tuban Port for further assistance. The search and rescue operation continues for the remaining passengers, with authorities coordinating efforts to locate and assist those still missing. The incident highlights the dangers of maritime travel during extreme weather conditions, and authorities have urged caution and adherence to safety protocols.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)

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