KM Virgo Divers Face Decompression Sickness Risk Due to Underwater Pressure
The search for victims of the KM Virgo Transport 8, which sank in the Java Sea, continues through the efforts of diving teams. During the search process, divers are facing several challenges, most notably the increasing underwater pressure.
Exposure to high pressure underwater has the potential to trigger serious health issues, such as decompression sickness. Decompression occurs due to nitrogen gas bubbles remaining in the body caused by changes in pressure. Early symptoms can include joint pain, and in severe cases, it poses a risk of paralysis.
As a preventative measure, the Indonesian Navy’s Marine Health Institute (Lakesla) is providing hyperbaric oxygen therapy to the diving team following their diving operations.
“They have been diving for approximately more than two weeks under significant pressure levels. Therefore, they need to be provided with hyperbaric therapy treatment,” said Lakesla hyperbaric expert, Navy Major (K) Dr Dony Irawan, as quoted from a TvOne YouTube broadcast on Monday, 28 September 2026.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is conducted within a hyperbaric chamber, where oxygen administration is regulated according to medical requirements. This therapy serves as a measure to monitor and maintain the health of the divers involved in the search for the KM Virgo Transport 8 victims.
“Because the pressure underwater is different from the pressure here on land. Therefore, they need refreshment in the form of hyperbaric therapy,” he added further.
On Sunday, 27 September 2026, the Joint SAR Team successfully evacuated two bodies of victims from the KM Virgo accident. With the discovery of these two bodies, the death toll from the KM Virgo accident now stands at 65, while 70 people remain missing.
To date, the DVI Bidokkes of the South Kalimantan Regional Police has received 53 bodies of victims. Of that number, 20 bodies have been successfully identified. Basarnas has also announced an extension of the search operations for the next seven days.