Ferry capsizes in Java Sea with dozens missing

A passenger ferry capsized in the Java Sea off the Indonesian coast on Sunday, 13 September, with dozens of people reported missing. Indonesian search and rescue authorities launched a major operation to locate survivors.

What happened

The vessel was carrying passengers between Indonesian islands when it capsized in rough conditions. Rescue teams from the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) were deployed by boat and helicopter. Some survivors were pulled from the water, but authorities confirmed that dozens remained unaccounted for as of Monday morning.

Rescue operation

The search and rescue operation was complicated by strong winds and high waves. Basarnas officials said divers were assisting the surface teams. Indonesian navy vessels were also dispatched to the scene to support the rescue effort.

Context

Indonesia is an archipelago nation of more than 17,000 islands, and ferry travel is the primary means of inter-island transport for millions of people. The country has a history of serious ferry accidents, attributed to overcrowding, aging vessels and unpredictable weather in the archipelago's waters.