Families of 129 individuals remain anxiously awaiting news four days after a ship capsized in Indonesia’s Java Sea, as challenging weather conditions continue to hamper search-and-rescue efforts. The incident, which occurred over the weekend, has so far resulted in six confirmed deaths and 108 survivors, with the number of missing persons unchanged since Sunday.
Relatives gathered at the rescue command center in Banjarmasin expressed growing frustration and despair amid the slow progress of the operation. Fauzi, 37, whose mother and six other family members are among those unaccounted for, voiced his disappointment after days of waiting. “We do not hope much but what we need is certainty,” he said, emphasizing the urgency for clear updates from authorities.
Efforts to locate survivors beneath the water’s surface have been suspended due to persistent waves reaching heights of up to 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) and strong winds in the vicinity of the wreck, according to I Putu Sudayana, head of the Banjarmasin rescue agency. These adverse conditions have restricted divers and underwater search teams from deploying safely.
Surface search operations continue with six ships patrolling the area, supported by helicopters and aircraft, in an ongoing bid to locate missing passengers. Authorities have maintained a visible presence amid the difficult circumstances but have yet to expand the official toll.
Among the waiting relatives is 21-year-old Maria Dethan, who has remained at the command center since the search began, hopeful for news about her brother, Samuel. She described the emotional strain of the wait, saying she frequently recalls her brother’s plight during meals, believing he has endured days without food.
Rescue teams and families alike face a tense and uncertain period as the search enters its fifth day, with authorities stressing that weather conditions remain the primary obstacle to further underwater operations. The situation underscores ongoing challenges in maritime safety and emergency response in the region.