Indonesia Arrests Ferry Captain After Java Sea Disaster Kills 78

Indonesian police have arrested the captain of a ferry that capsized in the Java Sea last month, killing at least 78 people. Police have named him a criminal suspect as investigators examine whether the vessel was fit to sail.

The Virgo Transport 8 was carrying 243 people when it overturned on September 13 during a voyage from Surabaya, East Java, to Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. Authorities said 108 people survived.

Indonesia’s search and rescue agency reported that 57 people remained missing as of Wednesday, October 1. Divers continued searching around the wreck, despite fast currents and concerns about the vessel’s unstable structure.

Captain suspected of sailing an unseaworthy vessel

National police spokesperson Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said the captain had been arrested and named a suspect. A senior police official told state news agency Antara that investigators suspect he knowingly sailed a vessel that was not seaworthy.

The alleged offence falls under Indonesia’s shipping law and could carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years if it causes deaths or property damage, Reuters reported. Police have not provided further details about the allegations.

The suspect’s designation does not establish guilt. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not announced a court finding.

Search continues as investigators examine the disaster

The ferry capsized during bad weather in the Java Sea. Search teams have been working to locate missing passengers while facing difficult conditions around the wreck.

The arrest marks a new stage in the investigation, but police have not said whether other people or organizations may also face scrutiny. The reported death toll stands at 78, with 57 still missing and 108 survivors.

BBNN will update this report as police release further information about the investigation or search operation.