KM Virgo Transport Management Suspects Capsizing Due to Bad Weather

The management of KM Virgo Transport 8 has addressed the suspected cause of the vessel’s capsizing in the Java Sea waters. The preliminary suspicion is that the ship overturned due to sea waves resulting from bad weather.

“As for the initial suspicion, this is still preliminary. It is due to bad weather and waves,” said Yoel Riable, General Manager of PT Virgo Karya Shipping, to reporters at the Virgo Karya Shipping (VKS) office in Surabaya on Monday (14/09/2026).

Yoel recounted that in the early hours of Sunday (13/09), he received reports of bad weather causing sea waves to rise.

“According to reports from Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency) as well, the wave height was approximately 1.5 to 2.5 metres. That is a moderate sea condition,” he stated.

“It is consistent; when cross-checked, that was indeed the condition. The primary suspicion is simply due to those waves and the bad weather,” he emphasised.

Regarding water entering the ship, Yoel could not yet confirm the details. He is still awaiting the results of the investigation by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT).

Yoel also confirmed that there was no leakage in the ship as a cause for the KM Virgo capsizing. “There was none,” he said.