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Divers Race Against Time to Recover Bodies from Capsized Ferry
19 Sep
Summary
- Salvage operations are underway to right the capsized ferry in the Java Sea.
- Two men and a woman's bodies were found, but strong currents hampered divers.
- The ferry was carrying 243 people when it capsized early Sunday.
Indonesian divers have begun crucial salvage operations to recover bodies and right the passenger ferry that capsized in the Java Sea. Strong currents and large waves had previously hindered rescue efforts for five days. Authorities decided on Friday to right the ship to facilitate ongoing recovery operations.
An expert team is assisting in the complex operation to right the ferry, with divers managing to enter the vessel on Friday and finding three bodies. However, challenging underwater conditions forced a halt to the search. Nine people are confirmed dead, with 108 survivors, but 126 passengers and crew members are still missing.
The Virgo Transport 8 was carrying 243 people on a 20-hour voyage from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan when it capsized in bad weather early on Sunday. The operation is being led by the ship's owner, supported by the rescue agency, navy, and maritime police, aiming to tow the vessel into shallower waters before righting it.
