Post by : Badri Ariffin

Indonesian rescuers are preparing to turn the passenger ship Virgo Transport 8 upright as strong currents and high waves continue to prevent a full underwater search for 129 people still missing after the vessel capsized in the Java Sea.

The ship was carrying 243 people during a 20-hour journey from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan when it overturned in bad weather early on Sunday. So far, six people have died and 108 have survived. Those figures have remained unchanged since Sunday.

Why Are Rescuers Planning to Turn the Ship Upright?

Indonesia's national rescue agency and the Indonesian Navy are assessing a plan to turn the overturned vessel back upright. Rescue agency chief Mohammad Syafii said the assessment would cover the equipment required for the operation.

Syafii said the plan is to first salvage the vessel by turning it upright and then carry out a search and evacuation operation. Once authorities are satisfied that the operation has been completed, the ship will be towed away for further investigation. Local and foreign experts have also been consulted on the plan.

Under normal conditions, turning the vessel upright would take about 24 hours. However, Syafii said the operation could take longer if complications arise.

Strong Currents Force Divers to Stop Underwater Search

Two Navy teams attempted an underwater search on Wednesday but had to withdraw because the current was moving at nearly 7 knots. Syafii said diving is recommended only when the current is below 1.5 knots.

Some evidence recovered during the underwater dives will be handed over to the National Transportation Safety Committee, which is investigating the incident. Navy commander in Banjarmasin Galih Nurna Putra confirmed that the evidence would be provided to the committee but did not give further details about what was found.

Air and Sea Searches Continue for 129 Missing People

Search teams also conducted air and surface operations on Wednesday, but they did not locate any of the 129 people who remain missing.

Syafii said similar air and sea surface searches would continue on Thursday as rescue teams work to locate the missing passengers.

Read Also: India, Pakistan Summon Diplomats After Naval Vessels Collide

Where Did the Virgo Transport 8 Capsize?

The Virgo Transport 8 capsized about 80 nautical miles, or 150 km, from Banjarmasin port. Since the incident, the vessel has moved around 450 metres (1,500 feet) and is now lying in waters approximately 29 metres deep, according to Syafii.

The vessel's location and the difficult sea conditions are adding to the challenges facing rescue teams as they try to reach those who may still be inside the overturned ship.

What Happens to the Ship After the Rescue?

Once the search and evacuation operation is completed, authorities plan to tow the vessel away so that the investigation into the incident can continue.

Under Indonesia's Maritime Law, the ship's owner is required to remove or tow the vessel if it creates a disruption to shipping lanes, Syafii said.

The rescue operation remains focused on locating the 129 missing people, while authorities prepare for the difficult operation of turning the capsized ship upright and conducting a detailed search.

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