Basarnas: No Leaks Found on KM Virgo Wreckage

Basarnas has confirmed that there are no leaks in the engine or the hull of the motor vessel (KM) Virgo Transport 8, which sank in the Java Sea. The Director of Operations at Basarnas, Rear Admiral TNI Yudhi Bramantyo Nur Sasongko, stated that this condition was identified after officers inspected the final position of the wreckage using an HR-3601 helicopter.

“Alhamdulillah, we can see it; the sunken hull is still clearly visible. We can also see the tilt, and we are grateful that there are no leaks, meaning there is no pollution around the ship, particularly oil, lubricant, or anything of that nature,” said Yudhi during a press conference, as reported by Antara on Thursday (17/09/2026).

He explained that the wreckage has shifted approximately 453 metres southeast from its original position, with the depth of the sinking reaching 29 metres. Consequently, the keel of the ship, which was previously visible, can no longer be seen from the surface.

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

Following the evacuation of 114 victims, Basarnas is preparing steps to raise the wreckage through a salvage operation. “Equipment belonging to the ship’s owners is being moved to support the salvage operation (to right the hull). Further technical developments will be announced once the supporting equipment arrives and operational preparations can proceed,” Yudhi stated.

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.