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Indonesia extends search for 126 people missing after Java Sea ferry capsize
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Divers recover two more bodies from the wreck
Basarnas divers recovered two bodies from inside the capsized Virgo Transport 8 at 09:04 and 09:13 WITA on September 21, raising the confirmed toll to 12 deaths. Indonesia’s search agency reported 108 survivors and 123 people still missing from the 243 listed on the manifest. Sea and air teams continued the search.
Underwater vehicle maps corridors and guides divers
Indonesia’s search agency said it deployed a remotely operated vehicle inside the capsized Virgo Transport 8 on September 20, using its images to guide divers through the wreck’s corridors. Teams operated during a brief period of calmer water, but currents later reached about three knots and restricted further work. Divers recovered one victim, leaving the confirmed totals at 108 survivors, 10 deaths and 125 people missing. Officials planned another deployment early September 21.
Basarnas: ROV technology depicts conditions inside the KM Virgo wreck
Confirmed death toll rises to 10
Indonesian divers recovered another victim from inside the capsized Virgo Transport 8, raising the confirmed death toll to 10, the national rescue agency said. Of the 243 people aboard, 108 survived and 125 remain missing. Strong currents hindered Sunday’s work, and officials said a remotely operated vehicle would be sent into the vessel on Monday to guide divers. Authorities have extended the recovery operation by one week while teams continue searching and assess how to right the ship.
Indonesia rescue agency recovers another victim from capsized ship, authorities say
Search operation extended for seven days
Indonesia’s national search-and-rescue agency extended the operation for the capsized Virgo Transport 8 by seven days on September 19. Officials said 126 of the 243 people listed on the ferry’s manifest remained missing; 108 people had survived and nine deaths were confirmed. Salvage specialists were still assessing how to handle the overturned vessel while search teams continued operating. The ferry lost contact on September 13 during a Surabaya-to-Banjarmasin voyage and was subsequently found capsized in the Java Sea.
Indonesia extends search for capsized ferry · Basarnas keeps helicopter ready as Virgo 8 search continues · Basarnas perpanjang operasi SAR KM Virgo tujuh hari