140 Passengers Still Missing: Basarnas Deploys Helicopter to Search for KM Virgo Transport 8 Victims
The search and rescue operation for KM Virgo Transport 8, which lost contact in the Java Sea, continues to be strengthened. Basarnas has deployed one helicopter from Surabaya to sweep the area and assist in finding the passengers and crew members still being sought.
The Head of the Banjarmasin Class A Search and Rescue Office, acting as the SAR Mission Coordinator, I Putu Sudayana, stated that the aerial unit was dispatched to broaden the search range of the joint SAR team.
“One Basarnas helicopter has departed from Surabaya for the search operation,” he said during a press conference regarding the progress of the SAR operation for the KM Virgo Transport 8 accident in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, on Sunday (13/09/2026).
The helicopter first proceeded to Syamsudin Noor Airbase in Banjarbaru. Following coordination, the aerial fleet departed from Syamsudin Noor Airport at approximately 12:30 WITA to conduct searches across the Java Sea region.
The deployment of the helicopter is part of an effort to accelerate the search after KM Virgo Transport 8 was reported to have lost contact while travelling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin.
In addition to the aerial component, the operation also involves several vessels. KN SAR Laksamana and KRI Nala are operating alongside other fleets to expand the search area and provide assistance to the ship’s passengers.
As the search continues, the joint SAR team has successfully evacuated 103 people out of a total of 243 passengers and crew of KM Virgo Transport 8 as of Sunday afternoon.
The evacuation process was carried out by several vessels at the operational site. TB Mauhaw IX evacuated 16 people; of that number, 15 were saved, while one person was confirmed deceased.
Furthermore, TB TCP successfully evacuated 38 people, all of whom were reported safe, and MV Haida also managed to bring 49 people to safety.
Consequently, the total number of passengers and crew successfully evacuated has reached 103.
The 16 individuals evacuated by TB Mauhaw IX will be transported to Tuban Port, East Java, according to information provided by the ship’s captain.
Meanwhile, the 38 people evacuated by TB TCP and the 49 from MV Haida will be taken to Trisakti Port, Banjarmasin.