Basarnas Deploys Diving Robots to Inspect KM Virgo Hull

Basarnas has deployed Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), or unmanned underwater robots, to survey the interior of the KM Virgo Transport 8 hull.

The Head of the Class A Search and Rescue Office in Banjarmasin, I Putu Sudayana, stated that the agency had planned to deploy the ROVs to assist the search process. However, the deployment was hampered by weather conditions.

“We initially deployed the ROVs, but due to very strong sea currents, the advanced equipment could not be utilised to its full potential, so the decision was made to retrieve them,” Putra said during a press conference on Sunday (20/9) night.

It is hoped that weather conditions will improve today so that the ROVs can be redeployed for the SAR operation.

Putra explained that the deployment of the ROVs aims to provide divers with a clearer picture of the conditions inside the ship’s hull.

“We deployed the ROVs early because they can reach all the small corridors within the ship. Since we have obtained the ship’s blueprints, we know which access points the ROVs can enter,” he said.

“That is what we will utilise as an initial guide. Based on the ROV’s monitoring results, the diving team will then carry out the evacuation process inside the ship,” he added.

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 Sunday (20/9), out of the 243 people on board, 118 have been found, with details showing 108 survivors and 10 fatalities. Meanwhile, 125 others remain missing and are still being searched for.