Indonesia Arrests Ferry Captain After Deadly Java Sea Sinking

Indonesian authorities have arrested the captain of a ferry that capsized in the Java Sea last month, an accident that killed at least 78 people.

The Virgo Transport 8 ferry was carrying 243 people when it overturned on September 13 while traveling from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan.

Captain Named as a Criminal Suspect

Indonesia’s national police said the captain had been arrested and named as a criminal suspect in connection with the disaster.

Authorities suspect that the vessel was operated despite being unseaworthy. Investigators are examining whether the condition of the ship contributed to the accident and the large number of deaths.

Dozens of People Died

At least 78 people have died following the sinking, while 108 people survived the accident.

Rescue teams have continued searching the vessel and surrounding waters for people who remain missing. Divers have faced strong currents and difficult conditions while working around the damaged ship.

The Ferry Was Traveling Between Two Indonesian Islands

Virgo Transport 8 was sailing from Surabaya toward Banjarmasin when it capsized during bad weather in the Java Sea.

The accident prompted a major search and rescue operation involving Indonesian authorities and divers working to recover victims and determine what happened aboard the ferry.

Possible Criminal Charges

Police said the captain is suspected of violating Indonesia’s shipping law by knowingly operating an unseaworthy vessel.

The offence can carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years when a violation results in deaths and property damage, according to authorities.

Investigation Continues

The captain’s arrest marks a new stage in the investigation into one of Indonesia’s recent deadly maritime accidents.

Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the sinking, including the condition of the ferry and the events leading up to the accident.

Sources

• Reuters — “Indonesia arrests captain of capsized ferry, police say” — October 1, 2026.
• Antara News — Information from Indonesian police and officials concerning the Virgo Transport 8 investigation.