Basarnas expands search for KM Virgo victims to 6,120 square nautical miles

The maritime search now covers six sectors, with each sector spanning approximately 1,020 square nautical miles.

Banjarmasin (ANTARA) - Basarnas has expanded the search area for victims who remain unlocated following the KM Virgo Transport 8 accident to 6,120 square nautical miles on the fourth day of the SAR operation, Wednesday, deploying both air and sea assets across several search sectors.

I Putu Sudayana, Head of the Banjarmasin Class A Search and Rescue Office and SAR Mission Coordinator in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, stated on Wednesday that the expanded search is being conducted by a joint SAR team involving Basarnas, the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces), Polri (National Police), and BNPB (National Disaster Management Agency). The team has deployed numerous aircraft and SAR vessels to sweep the operational area based on designated sectors.

“The maritime sweep covers six sectors, with each sector measuring approximately 1,020 square nautical miles. Meanwhile, the aerial search is directed towards Sector R, covering 1,491 square nautical miles, using the BNPB’s Cessna PK-SNK Caravan aircraft,” he said.

To support the aerial search, Basarnas has deployed the HR 3601 Dauphin AS365N3+ helicopter, while the Indonesian Navy is operating CN-235 aircraft and Panther HS 1310 helicopters, alongside the Polri P-3013, all of which are stationed to support operations and evacuation.

Basarnas, alongside all elements of the Joint SAR team, continues to conduct the search according to the operational plan, optimising available air and sea assets to find the victims of KM Virgo Transport 8 who remain missing on the fourth day of the SAR operation.

As the SAR operation enters its fourth day, Basarnas also expressed deep condolences and profound grief for the six victims who have been successfully evacuated but were found deceased.

“All of us in the SAR team and our leadership are praying that this search process proceeds safely and smoothly, and that all victims can be evacuated,” said I Putu Sudayana.

KM Virgo Transport 8 was carrying 243 people and was reported to have lost contact in the Masalembo waters, Java Sea, on Sunday (13/9) at approximately 02:00 WITA, while sailing from Surabaya to Banjarmasin since Saturday (12/9).