Frogmen Deploy for Diving Operations; KM Virgo 8 Remains Sealed

Basarnas has reported that diving teams, including members of the Indonesian Navy’s Frogman Command (Kopalska), have successfully conducted dives to inspect the condition of the capsized KM Virgo Transport 8 in the Java Sea waters.

Basarnas Operational Director, Laksma TNI Yudhi Bramantyo, stated that the diving operation was finally possible due to favourable weather conditions for underwater operations.

“Yesterday, the current was as high as 6.8 knots, but today it has decreased to approximately 1.8 to 2 knots, allowing the Kopaska divers to descend to depth and install mooring lines to assist divers returning to the surface,” Yudhi said during a press conference on Thursday (17/9).

He added that the underwater visibility was clear today, allowing for a full view of the ship’s body from the stern to the bow.

Yudhi also noted that the diving team has installed marker buoys around KM Virgo Transport 8. The purpose is to provide warning signs for passing vessels to ensure the safety of ongoing operations and maritime traffic.

According to Yudhi’s report from the divers’ observations, the ship’s condition remains watertight and sealed.

“I would say it is watertight, meaning nothing can enter; it is still closed. Any items found previously were likely located at the bow or on the exterior,” he explained. He added that because the vessel remains sealed, there is hope that salvage operations will be more effective.

KM Virgo Transport 8 was reported to have lost contact in the Java Sea waters on Sunday (13/9) at 02:00 WITA, while sailing from Surabaya to Banjarmasin. The vessel was reported to be carrying 243 people, including passengers and crew.

As of Monday (14/9), 114 of the 243 people on board had been found, while 129 others remained missing.

Previously, the Head of Basarnas, Air Marshal TNI Mohammad Syafii, stated that the agency plans to conduct a salvage process to upright the KM Virgo Transport 8 to facilitate the search for victims. The ship is currently capsized and floating in the Java Sea.

“If underwater searches cannot be conducted due to weather, we plan to perform a salvage. We intend to right the vessel to search the interior and carry out evacuations,” Syafii said during a press conference on Wednesday.

He added that once the SAR process is confirmed to be complete, the vessel will be towed for investigation purposes.