Body of KM Virgo Victim Transported by Helicopter to Banjarmasin for Identification

Basarnas is continuing its search operations for the victims of KM Virgo Transport 8, which sank in the waters of the Java Sea, South Kalimantan. This afternoon, the Basarnas Special Group (BSG) diving team discovered another victim.

The Head of Basarnas, Marsdya M Syafii, stated that the diving team located the body at 14:24 WITA. The victim is currently undergoing identification.

“This discovery provides a glimmer of hope for families still awaiting certainty regarding the fate of their loved ones. The victim was found by BSG divers as part of the search operation and was subsequently evacuated for further handling and the identification process,” Syafii said in a statement on Monday (21/09/2026).

Syafii emphasised that Basarnas is still striving to find the other missing victims. The SAR team is continuing its search within the hull of the Virgo Transport 8.

“All SAR personnel will continue to endeavour to find the victims still inside the ship. We will not stop. Every finding is part of our effort to provide certainty to the families. The team will continue to conduct the search to the maximum extent, while certainly prioritising the safety of the divers,” he stated.

Syafii explained that Basarnas has currently recorded 121 victims found. Among them, 13 victims have been confirmed deceased, while the remainder are still being searched for.

“The manifest consists of 243 people; 121 victims have been found, 108 are safe, 13 are deceased, and 122 remain missing,” he added.