Banjarmasin. Indonesian search and rescue teams were deployed Sunday after a ferry carrying 243 people lost contact in the Java Sea while sailing from Surabaya to Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan.

The Virgo Transport 8 was reported to have lost contact at around 2 a.m. Central Indonesia Time (18:00 GMT Saturday) after encountering bad weather during its journey, according to I Putu Sudayana, search and rescue mission coordinator in Banjarmasin.

“The vessel's last known position was approximately 80 nautical miles from the Basirih SAR dock in Banjarmasin,” Putu said.

The Banjarmasin Search and Rescue Office received a report that the vessel had lost contact at 4:10 a.m. local time from Virgo General Manager Yoel Rihi.

The ferry had departed Surabaya on Saturday afternoon.

Following the report, the agency dispatched personnel aboard the search and rescue vessel KN SAR Laksmana 241 toward the ferry's last known position.

Putu said authorities were deploying available personnel and search assets because of the large number of passengers and crew aboard the vessel, with their safety the top priority.

The search operation involves coordination with the Indonesian Navy, police, the Banjarmasin Navigation District, port operator Pelindo and Virgo's Banjarmasin shipping agent.

“We urge the public and the passengers' families to remain calm and wait for official information from authorities,” Putu said.

“The joint search and rescue team continues to monitor the situation and conduct searches based on developments in the field.”

Authorities have not yet provided information on what caused the vessel to lose contact or whether anyone aboard is in immediate danger.

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