Basarnas to Move Virgo Transport 8 to Shallower Waters
Entering its fourth day, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) is coordinating with relevant elements, such as the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), regarding technical SAR handling options should bad weather persist. Basarnas is exploring the possibility of allowing the Virgo Transport 8 to sink fully and rest on the seabed in relatively shallow water (approximately 30 metres deep) until the wreckage can be towed to even shallower areas. The vessel is currently in an overturned position.
“To accelerate the SAR process, we are considering several strategic steps, such as righting the ship, sinking it, or towing it to shallower waters,” stated the Head of Basarnas, Air Marshal Mohammad Syafii, on Tuesday (15/9) night at the Trisakti Port post in Banjarmasin.
He confirmed that search and rescue efforts for the 129 passengers following the sinking of the Virgo Transport 8 in the Masalembo waters, Java Sea, are continuing. Syafii explained that these options are being considered because underwater operations—which were planned to involve the Indonesian Navy’s Kopaska, special diving teams, and the KRI Kanopus—have been forced to a halt due to extreme weather. In addition to the weather, the shifting position (datum) of the KM Virgo Transport 8 from its original overturned location has also hindered field operations.
“The shifting position of the ship indicates that there are still bulkheads or empty spaces within the vessel, which allows it to drift,” Syafability explained. Furthermore, attempting to penetrate air pockets within the ship poses a high risk to diver safety due to the potential for sudden, drastic changes in air pressure.
On another note, Dwi, a representative of the ship’s owners, stated in a press conference at the National Police DVI Post at Bayangkara Hospital Banjarmasin, that the company will take responsibility for fulfilling the victims’ rights and fully supports the field SAR efforts. The Deputy Minister of Transportation, Suntana, noted that authorities have summoned the ship’s owners and management for investigation.
The Virgo Transport 8 was reported lost contact and sank in the Masalembo waters, Java Sea, on Sunday (13/9), while en route from Surabaya to Banjarmasin. According to information gathered from several survivors, the vessel, which was carrying goods and 243 people, sank after being hit by a storm in the early hours around 02:00 WITA while most passengers were asleep. The ship suddenly tilted, sank, and capsized, leaving many passengers unable to escape and suspected to be trapped inside.