Heri Purwanto, head of the Banjarmasin Sea Port Authority, said the ship, which was carrying people and vehicles, lost contact at 2am on Sunday (2am, Singapore time).
“We responded quickly to the incident report … Our main focus and top priority at this time is the safety of everyone on board the ship, and we are deploying a coordinated rescue operation,” Heri Purwanto added.
Rescue authorities have put up a command centre at the Banjarmasin port, with paramedics and ambulances on standby, an AFP reporter saw.
Dozens of relatives and friends of the passengers checked a whiteboard where the names of people rescued were being updated.
Jenah, 26, told AFP she came to the command post for information about her older brother.
“I am saddened and very shocked. Until now, I haven’t received any more information,” said Jenah, who like many Indonesians has only one name.
“He was travelling alone. I hope he survives. I couldn’t contact him since last night.”
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