JAKARTA(The COW News Digital) An Indonesian passenger vessel carrying 243 people has gone missing in the Java Sea, prompting a search and rescue operation by authorities.
According to international media reports, the vessel was travelling from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin, the capital of South Kalimantan province on the island of Borneo, when communication with the ship was lost.
Authorities said 103 passengers have so far been rescued, while one death has been confirmed. Search teams are continuing efforts to locate the missing vessel and determine the condition of those who remain unaccounted for.
Indonesia’s search and rescue authorities said the ship’s last known position was in the Java Sea, approximately 148 kilometres from the port of Banjarmasin.
A coordinated search operation has been launched in the area, with rescue teams working to locate the vessel and assist any passengers who may still be stranded at sea.
Officials said the vessel had reported encountering bad weather during its last communication with authorities. Difficult sea conditions could have complicated the vessel’s journey and rescue efforts.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of passengers travelling between Java and Kalimantan, particularly amid challenging weather conditions in the Java Sea.
Rescue authorities are expected to continue operations until the remaining passengers and the vessel are located. Further details regarding the cause of the incident and the condition of those still missing are awaited.
Authorities have not yet provided additional information about the identities of the rescued passengers or the deceased person.
