A major maritime rescue operation is underway in the Java Sea after the passenger vessel KM Virgo Transport 8 encountered severe weather while travelling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin.

The vessel was carrying 243 people, including passengers and crew, when conditions deteriorated during its journey. Before communication with the ship was lost, its captain reportedly informed the vessel’s agent that the ship was facing bad weather and had begun to tilt significantly.

Search and rescue teams were quickly mobilised after authorities received the emergency report. Rescue vessels were dispatched toward the affected area, while additional maritime resources were brought in to expand the search.

The operation has since developed into a large-scale effort involving vessels operating near the incident area as well as aerial support. Authorities are continuing to search for people who may still be missing while survivors are being transported to safety.

According to the latest local updates, more than 100 people had been evacuated during the ongoing operation, while at least one person had died. Officials cautioned that the figures remained subject to further verification as rescuers continued working at different locations.

The rescued passengers are being brought toward Banjarmasin, where medical teams and emergency services have been preparing to receive them. Some survivors have been taken for medical assessment as authorities work to determine their condition.

The incident has also drawn anxious relatives to the port area, where families are waiting for information about passengers aboard the vessel.

Rescue authorities are continuing to monitor weather and sea conditions because difficult conditions can affect both the search area and the safety of rescue crews. The operation is expected to continue until authorities have accounted for all people believed to have been aboard the vessel.

The accident has highlighted the challenges faced by passenger vessels operating across Indonesia’s busy maritime routes, particularly when sudden changes in weather create dangerous conditions at sea.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the rescue operation progresses and the passenger manifest is fully verified.