129 Victims of KM Virgo Still Missing, Basarnas Prepares Salvage Operation
Basarnas has reported that 129 victims of the KM Virgo Transport 8, which capsized in the Java Sea, remain missing as of the fourth day of search operations on Wednesday (16/9).
“Today is the fourth day, and we have not found any new victims to evacuate,” said the Head of Basarnas, Air Marshal Mohammad Syafii, during a press conference on Wednesday night.
Syafii noted that during today’s search operation, his team found various items or attributes suspected to be related to the victims or the ship. However, he did not disclose further details regarding the specific items found.
“Several parts, attributes, or items were found at sea, and these have been collected by the maritime SAR team conducting the search today,” he said.
Syafey acknowledged that the agency is facing several obstacles in the search operation, particularly regarding underwater searches.
He stated that divers had been deployed for underwater searches, but natural conditions prevented them from completing the task.
“I must report that the current speed at the location reaches above 6 knots, even approaching 7 knots. According to regulations, diving is recommended only when current speeds are below 1.5 knots,” he explained.
“Consequently, as soon as the team descended, they had to be pulled back immediately, as safety factors must be prioritised,” he added.
Preparing Salvage Methods
Basarnas plans to conduct a salvage operation by overturning the KM Virgo Transport 8 to facilitate the search for victims. Salvage refers to the work performed to assist a ship or its cargo that has encountered an accident or danger in waters.
Syafii stated that salvage will be implemented if underwater searches cannot proceed due to weather-related constraints.
“If underwater searches cannot be conducted due to weather, we plan to perform a salvage. We intend to overturn the vessel to conduct searches inside the ship and carry out evacuations,” said Syafii.
“Only after we are certain that the SAR process is complete will the ship be towed for investigation purposes,” he continued.
Syafii noted that experts from various regions, including abroad, have arrived in Banjarmasin to discuss the salvage plan.
He explained that these experts will first conduct aerial observations to assess the condition of the ship and the location. This will be followed by an assessment to determine the necessary next steps.
“(Afterwards) they will return here for a coordination meeting to determine what infrastructure and equipment are needed, which may be brought from Surabaya, Kalimantan, or other locations,” said Syafii.
Syafii mentioned that based on reports from the experts, the salvage process could take approximately 24 hours, though this depends on the challenges faced at the site.
“However, if difficulties arise, it will certainly take longer, and we cannot predict the conditions we might face. This is one of the plans we are currently processing,” he said.
KM Virgo Transport 8 was reported to have lost contact in the Java Sea waters on Sunday (13/9) at 02:00 WITA, while sailing from Surabaya to Banjarmasin since Saturday (12/9). The KM Virgo is reported to be carrying 243 people, including passengers and crew.
As of Monday (14/9), out of the 243 people on board, 114 have been found, while 129 others remain missing.