Indonesian rescuers are preparing to turn a capsized passenger ship upright as strong currents and rough seas continue to prevent underwater searches for 129 people still missing after the vessel overturned in the Java Sea.
The Virgo Transport 8 was carrying 243 people on a 20-hour journey from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan when it capsized early on Sept 13 during bad weather.
Six people have been confirmed dead and 108 rescued, with the figures unchanged since the accident.
Mohammad Syafii, head of Indonesia’s national rescue agency, said authorities and the Indonesian Navy would assess the equipment needed to turn the vessel upright and conduct a search inside the ship.
Once the search and evacuation are completed, the vessel is expected to be towed away for an investigation into the accident.
Syafii said turning the ship upright would normally take about 24 hours, although the operation could take longer if complications arise.
Two Navy dive teams attempted an underwater search on Wednesday but were forced to stop after encountering currents moving at nearly seven knots. Officials said diving operations are generally recommended only when currents are below 1.5 knots.
Surface and aerial searches also continued, but rescuers found no additional survivors or bodies on Wednesday.
The ship is located about 150 kilometres from Banjarmasin and has drifted roughly 450 metres since the accident. It is currently lying in waters around 29 metres deep.
Rescue operations have been repeatedly disrupted by strong winds, large waves and powerful currents around the vessel. Earlier reports said waves in the area had reached up to 2.5 metres.
The difficult conditions have also caused growing frustration among relatives waiting for information about their missing family members. Some have remained at the rescue command centre in Banjarmasin for days, hoping for updates.
Authorities have consulted local and foreign specialists as they prepare for the salvage operation. Evidence collected during the limited underwater search will also be provided to Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee, which is investigating the accident.
Search teams are expected to continue aerial and surface operations while preparations are made to turn the vessel upright.
The operation will be closely watched by families of the missing as rescuers attempt to reach parts of the ship that cannot currently be accessed because of the dangerous sea conditions.
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