KM Virgo Update: 34 Divers Searching for 120 Passengers, 15 Fatalities Confirmed

Basarnas has increased its search force to locate victims of the KM Virgo Transport 8 in the Masalembo waters, Java Sea. An additional 22 divers were deployed for underwater search operations on Tuesday (22/9).

The Head of the Class A Search and Rescue Office in Banjarmasin, I Putu Sudayana, stated that the additional divers were dispatched to Banjarmarse via the KRI Nala.

“Today, the KRI Nala will rejoin the operation after completing replenishment in Surabaya; it is expected to arrive in the operational area around 6:00 or 7:00 AM,” Sudayana said during a press conference on Monday (21/9) evening.

“The KRI Nala is carrying 22 diving personnel, bringing the total number of divers in the field to approximately 34,” he added.

Sudayana noted that according to BMKG predictions, sea waves are expected to remain low. Consequently, it is hoped that the search for victims suspected to be trapped within the ship’s hull can be carried out to its full potential.

“We are hoping for flat seas to facilitate movement in the field. We are grateful that the weather is starting to improve today. Hopefully, the teams working on the ground can maximise the evacuation process,” he remarked.

As of Monday, a total of 123 victims have been accounted for, consisting of 108 survivors and 15 fatalities. This leaves 120 people still missing from the total of 243 individuals listed on the KM Virgo Transport 8 manifest.

The 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 since Saturday (12/9).

The vessel is suspected to have lost contact due to severe weather. The ship was discovered on the same day in an overturned condition in the Java Sea.