Indonesian rescuers are searching for 126 people still missing after a passenger ship capsized and sank in the Java Sea, as divers recovered three more bodies from the wreckage on Friday.

The latest recoveries bring the confirmed death toll from the Virgo Transport 8 disaster to nine, while 108 people have been rescued.

The vessel was carrying 243 people on a journey from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan when it capsized during bad weather early on Sunday.

Authorities have now begun an operation to right the vessel in an attempt to improve access to the wreck as the search for missing passengers continues.

DIVERS RECOVER THREE BODIES

Indonesian Navy divers entered the vessel on Friday and recovered the bodies of two men and a woman.

Navy official Edy Setyawan said three divers were initially attempting to install a safety line near the ship when they spotted a body through one of its windows.

The divers broke the glass to retrieve the body before two more bodies were discovered later.

Friday's underwater operation involved 17 Navy personnel.

The bodies are expected to be transported to Banjarmasin, where many relatives of those aboard the vessel have been waiting for information.

STRONG CURRENTS HAMPER SEARCH

Rescue operations have been severely complicated by strong currents, high waves and difficult underwater conditions.

Divers were forced to suspend Friday's underwater search after conditions became too dangerous.

Authorities said there is a limited period during the morning and early afternoon when currents are suitable enough for diving operations.

Around 60 divers are involved in the wider operation, which includes more than 1,100 personnel.

Strong currents had previously prevented divers from entering the wreck for several days.

OPERATION BEGINS TO RIGHT SHIP

Authorities have begun a salvage operation aimed at moving the vessel into shallower water before turning it upright.

The Virgo Transport 8 remained partially afloat for several days following the accident before eventually sinking completely to the seabed.

The salvage operation is being led by the ship's owner as required under Indonesian law, with support from the country's rescue agency, Navy and maritime police.

Officials hope righting the vessel will provide rescuers with better access to areas of the ship that have been difficult to reach.

126 PEOPLE REMAIN UNACCOUNTED FOR

The vessel was carrying 243 people when it capsized.

Nine people are confirmed dead and 108 have been rescued, leaving 126 people still unaccounted for.

Despite the number of days since the accident, authorities continue to treat the operation as a rescue mission because of the possibility that survivors could be trapped inside watertight sections of the ship.

Divers face considerable danger when entering the vessel because of poor visibility, strong currents and the possibility of sudden water movement inside sealed compartments.

EIGHT SHIPS AND HELICOPTERS DEPLOYED

Indonesia deployed eight ships and two helicopters on Friday as authorities continued searching surrounding waters.

Strong winds, waves and currents continue to affect the operation.

Representatives of victims' families have also been allowed to accompany parts of the operation to observe the difficult conditions rescuers are facing.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered a thorough investigation into the accident and instructed authorities to ensure the rights of victims and their families are protected.

The cause of the disaster remains under investigation.

With 126 people still missing, the search remains one of Indonesia's most serious developing maritime emergencies in recent years.