Death Toll from Ferry Sinking in Indonesia Rises to 64

Al-Taj News – The death toll from the sinking of a passenger ferry two weeks ago in the Java Sea off Indonesia has risen to 64, an official said on Saturday, as authorities finally announced an extension of search operations for dozens of missing people.

“Of the 243 people who were on board the ferry, 172 were evacuated and 108 survived, 64 died, while the search is still ongoing for 71 others,” Yudi Pramantio, director of the National Search and Rescue Agency, said during a press conference.

The “Virgo Transport 8” ferry was carrying 213 passengers and 30 crew members when it sailed from Surabaya in eastern Java Island toward Banjarmasin on the island of Borneo.

Maritime accidents are common in Indonesia, which has more than 17,000 islands and relies heavily on sea transportation, partly due to non-compliance with safety standards and fluctuating weather conditions.