Indonesian rescuers were searching on Sunday for around 140 people after a passenger ferry carrying 243 people capsized in the Java Sea during severe weather, authorities said.

The Virgo Transport 8 was sailing from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan on the island of Borneo when it encountered rough seas and lost contact with authorities.

According to Indonesia’s search and rescue agency, the vessel was carrying 213 passengers and 30 crew members. Rescue teams have so far evacuated about 102 to 103 people, while at least one person has died. Approximately 140 people remain unaccounted for.

The ferry reportedly encountered waves of up to about three metres and began listing before issuing a distress call. It later overturned in the Java Sea, according to authorities. The vessel's last known position was approximately 148 kilometres from Banjarmasin.

Search and rescue teams have deployed vessels and a helicopter to the area, while maritime authorities are coordinating the operation. Officials have warned that difficult sea conditions are complicating the search.

The ferry had departed Surabaya on Saturday morning and was scheduled to arrive in Banjarmasin. Communication with the vessel was lost at around 2 a.m. local time after reports that it was encountering severe weather.

Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, relies heavily on sea transport, and ferry accidents are periodically reported, particularly during periods of bad weather.

Authorities are continuing the search for those still missing, while relatives of passengers have gathered at a rescue coordination center in Banjarmasin awaiting further information. (ILKHA)