Indonesia ferry death toll rises to 66

The death toll from a ferry disaster in Indonesia has risen to 66, while rescue teams continue searching for dozens of people still missing. The operation entered its 16th day on Monday as divers faced dangerous conditions inside the sunken vessel.

The Virgo Transport 8 ferry was carrying 243 people, including 30 crew members, when it capsized in bad weather on September 13. The vessel was travelling from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan when it sank in the Java Sea.

Officials said 108 people have survived the disaster, while 69 passengers remain missing. Rescue teams are focusing on the vessel’s cabins in an effort to locate those who have not yet been found.

Divers have been working through unstable parts of the 4,277-tonne ship. The wreck has shifted from side to side, while sharp debris inside the vessel has created additional risks. Leaking fuel and high concentrations of gas have also made the operation more hazardous.

Rescue officials said divers were restricted to a maximum depth of 27 metres because of the dangerous conditions. The unstable structure has also prevented them from reaching several compartments where missing passengers could be located.

Authorities said some recovered bodies were expected to be transported by helicopter. Officials have also indicated that the ferry operator may need to stabilize and raise the vessel to allow rescuers to reach areas that remain inaccessible.

Ferries are an important part of Indonesia’s transport network because they connect the country’s thousands of islands. Sea travel is generally more affordable and accessible than air travel for many people. However, the country has experienced several serious ferry accidents over the years.

The continuing difficulties at the wreck site have slowed the recovery effort and prolonged the uncertainty for the families of those still missing. Rescue agencies said teams would continue working despite the risks as they search for the remaining passengers.