Basarnas Involves Experts from Hong Kong and USA to Assist Virgo Ship Evacuation

Basarnas is involving assistance from experts from Hong Kong and the United States (USA) in the rescue mission of the Virgo Transport 8 vessel. The involvement of these specialists is intended to support the salvage process, which is deemed to require specialised technology and expertise.

The Head of Basarnas RI, Mohammad Syafii, stated that the salvage operation—which involves evacuating the ship and its cargo, including lifting the ship’s framework—is a difficult process due to underwater obstacles. Consequently, the agency requires assistance from external parties for the operation.

“We are striving to act as quickly as possible, so we are not only involving local citizens but also bringing in experts from outside Indonesia. Those present today are from Hong Kong and America,” said Syafii, as reported by detikKalimantan on Thursday (17/09/2026).

He noted that the position of the ship continues to change. The vessel, which was previously estimated to be floating at a depth of 21 metres, has now shifted to a depth of approximately 29 metres.

“This salvage process is not easy, and we do not want it to be prolonged. As days pass, there are shifts in the ship’s position; from previously floating at a depth of 21 metres, it has now shifted to a depth of 29 metres,” said Syafii.

In addition to the international experts, Indonesian specialists will also be involved to facilitate a learning process during the salvage operation.