**Indonesia Ferry Search: Divers Retrieve Three Bodies, 126 People Missing**
*Published on September 19, 2026*
Indonesian authorities have intensified salvage operations following the tragic capsizing of the passenger ferry Virgo Transport 8 in the Java Sea. As of September 18, divers have successfully recovered three bodies, bringing the confirmed death toll to nine, while 126 individuals remain unaccounted for.
The ferry, which was on a 20-hour journey from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan, capsized early on Sunday due to severe weather conditions, including strong currents and large waves. The incident has left 108 survivors, according to local officials.
In light of the challenging conditions that hampered rescue efforts for five days, authorities have decided to right the vessel to facilitate further recovery operations. Local navy commander Galih Nurna Putra confirmed that an expert team has been brought in to assist with the salvage operation. "The salvage operation is under way," he stated, noting that divers managed to enter the ship on Friday but had to halt their search due to strong underwater currents.
The recovery efforts are being led by the ship’s owner, in compliance with Indonesian maritime law, and are supported by the national search and rescue agency, the navy, and maritime police. The head of the Banjarmasin search and rescue agency, I Putu Sudayana, emphasized the importance of righting the vessel before resuming body recovery, citing the risks divers face when attempting to enter the unstable capsized ship.
The Virgo Transport 8 was carrying a total of 243 passengers and crew members at the time of the incident. The vessel is currently located approximately 80 nautical miles (148 kilometers) from the command center at Trisakti port in Banjarmasin, making access to the site particularly challenging.
The Indonesian government has mobilized around 1,100 rescuers to assist in the search and recovery efforts, but rough seas have significantly hindered their operations. Specialist divers trained to operate at depths exceeding 100 meters (328 feet) have been deployed to aid in the recovery of those still missing.
Indonesia's reliance on ferries for transportation across its vast archipelago of 17,000 islands underscores the importance of ensuring safety in maritime travel. The tragic incident has raised concerns about the safety measures in place for passenger ferries, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
As the search and recovery operations continue, families of the missing passengers are left in a state of uncertainty and grief, hoping for news of their loved ones. The Indonesian authorities remain committed to recovering all individuals involved in this tragic event.