Basarnas Divers Discover Two Deceased Victims Trapped Aboard KM Virgo

Basarnas is continuing the search for victims of the KM Virgo Transport 8, which sank in the waters of the Java Sea, South Kalimantan. Today, divers from the Basarnas Special Group (BSG) discovered two victims inside the vessel.

Basarnas Head, M. Syafii, stated that the search operations commenced this morning. The two victims are currently in the process of being evacuated to Banjarmasin Airport.

“Both victims, who are male, were found inside the ship during the BSG team’s search and diving operations, at 09:04 WITA and 09:13 WITA respectively,” Syafii said in a statement on Monday (21/09/2026).

Syafii noted that the discovery of these two victims represents a significant development in the ongoing SAR (Search and Rescue) operations to locate and evacuate all victims of the KM Virgo Transport 8. The search and evacuation process continues at maximum capacity, deploying all available personnel and equipment.

“We are continuing our utmost efforts to find and evacuate the victims. Today’s discovery of two victims is a result of the hard work of all elements of the Joint SAR team. We ensure that every victim found is immediately evacuated and handled according to procedure,” he explained.

He added that the two victims will first be transported to Banjarmasin Airport using Helicopter HR 3601, before being handed over to their families.

“Upon arrival at Banjarmasin Airport, the two victims will be handed over to the relevant authorities for identification and further handling,” he said.