Indonesia, Oct. 1 -- More than 1,000 emergency personnel have been deployed as the search for 57 people missing from the sunken Virgo Transport 8 ferry entered its 18th day on Wednesday.

Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) expanded its operation off South Kalimantan, deploying a task force of 1,042 personnel from the military, police, and government ministries across air, sea, and land operations.

"Currently, a total of 1,042 personnel are involved, supported by various types of equipment, to strengthen the search for the missing victims," SAR Mission Coordinator I Putu Sudayana told reporters on Wednesday.

The multi-agency rescue effort includes 11 vessels, three helicopters, 63 specialized divers, and 42 ambulanc...