Families give DNA samples as 129 remain missing in Indonesia ship disaster
Families of passengers missing from the capsized Virgo Transport 8 provided DNA samples in Surabaya on Thursday as the search entered its fifth day, with 129 people still unaccounted for.
Footage from the Disaster Victim Identification post at Tanjung Perak Port showed relatives providing information, examining photographs and undergoing cheek swabs for DNA testing.
“I came here looking for my younger brother, whose name is Sulisman. We still have not received any news about him,” Slamet Hermanto said. “Hopefully, we will receive some good news.”
By Thursday afternoon, officials had received 70 ante-mortem records and collected 31 DNA samples. Biological relatives are being prioritised for DNA comparison, alongside information on missing passengers' physical characteristics and personal records.
The Virgo Transport 8 was carrying 243 people from Surabaya to Banjarmasin when it capsized in bad weather early on Sunday. Six people have been confirmed dead and 108 rescued, leaving 129 missing.
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This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
