JAKARTA — At least six people have died and 129 others remain missing after a passenger vessel sank in Indonesia’s Java Sea, prompting a major search-and-rescue operation involving more than 600 personnel.
The Vargo Transport 8 was carrying 243 passengers and crew members when contact with the vessel was lost early Sunday amid bad weather. Rescue teams have so far recovered 108 people alive, according to Indonesian authorities, as reported by Reuters.
E Putu Sudayana, head of the Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Agency, said the search for those still missing began early Monday. A total of 622 rescuers and around 12 vessels have been deployed in the operation.
Video released by the National Search and Rescue Agency showed the large red-and-black vessel partially submerged and listing heavily in rough seas. Two smaller boats could be seen operating near the wreck.
Eddy Prakoso, an official with Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency, said powerful waves struck the ship’s starboard side, causing it to tilt sharply. A helicopter later observed the vessel overturning.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident as rescue teams continue to search the surrounding waters for survivors and missing passengers.
The death toll stood at six as of Monday morning, officials said.
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