Families Hold on to Hope as 129 People Remain Missing After Ferry Sinks in Indonesia

Families Hold on to Hope as 129 People Remain Missing After Ferry Sinks in Indonesia

On Monday, hundreds of rescuers continued searching for 129 people who remain missing in the Java Sea after a passenger vessel sank. Relatives of the missing passengers gathered along the coast, hoping to receive good news about their loved ones.

Freddy Manuhua, whose younger brother was on the sunken vessel, said that his hope was that his brother would be found, regardless of his condition.

He continued, saying that if his brother were found in a condition that they did not wish for, he would still have to accept it because it was part of his brother’s journey in life.

Another relative who was waiting for news about a missing family member said that he had prepared himself to accept whatever the outcome might be. He said he had left the matter in God’s hands and could only hope that his relative would be safe and in good health. However, there had been no news so far.

On Monday, hundreds of rescuers, including coast guard personnel and navy forces, attempted to reach the capsized Virgo Transport 8 after the vessel, which was carrying 243 people, sank in bad weather on Sunday.

Authorities said that 108 people had been rescued, while six people had been confirmed dead.