Basarnas Confirms KM Virgo Transport 8 Has No Leaks; Shipwreck Sinks to 29 Metres

Basarnas has confirmed that there are no leaks in the engine or hull of the Motor Vessel (KM) Virgo Transport 8, which sank at a depth of 29 metres at the accident site in the Java Sea. Aerial monitoring indicates that there is no presence of oil, lubricant, or pollution around the vessel’s location.

Basarnas Operations Director, Rear Admiral TNI Yudhi Bramantyo Nur Sasongko, stated that this condition was identified when Basarnas, the ship owners, and experts inspected the final position of the wreckage using the Basarnas HR-3ey helicopter on Thursday afternoon.

“Alhamdulillah, we can see it; the sunken hull is still clearly visible. We also noted the tilt, and we are grateful there are no leaks, so there is no pollution around the ship, particularly oil, lubricants, or anything of that nature,” said Yudhi during a press conference regarding the progress of the SAR operation on the fifth day of the KM Virgo Transport 8 accident at Trisakti Port, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, on Thursday (17/09/2026) evening.

During the fifth day of monitoring, he explained that the wreckage has shifted approximately 453 metres southeast from its initial position, and the sinking depth has reached 29 metres, meaning the keel of the ship, which was previously visible, is no longer seen from the surface.

“Despite sinking deeper, the hull is still clearly visible from the air because the water conditions around the location remain clear,” he added.

Following the successful evacuation of 114 victims, Basarnas is now preparing steps to raise the wreckage through a salvage operation, following directives from leadership based on decisions made in a limited government meeting to continue handling the accident.

“Equipment belonging to the ship owners is being moved to support the salvage operation (righting the hull); further technical developments will be announced once the supporting equipment arrives and operational preparations can proceed,” Yudhi said.

As of the fifth day of the SAR operation, Thursday (17/09) at 22:00 WITA, Basarnas confirmed that 114 victims have been found, consisting of 108 survivors and six fatalities. Meanwhile, 129 individuals remain missing from the total of 243 people listed on the KM Virgo Transport 8 manifest.