Search Update for KM Virgo Passengers: 28 Dead, 107 Still Missing

The Basarnas Special Group (BSG) diving team, alongside the Indonesian Navy, has discovered nine victims of the KM Virgo Transport 8, which sank in the waters of the Java Sea, South Kalimantan. The nine victims were found as divers searched the interior of the shipwreck.

“In conditions of challenging underwater currents and low visibility, the divers continued to sweep the inside of the ship until they successfully found the victims,” said the Head of Basarnas, M. Syafii, in a statement on Wednesday (23/09/2026).

The nine victims were subsequently evacuated to the KN SAR Pacitan. Following this, the victims were flown via a Basarnas HR 3601 helicopter to Banjarmasin for the identification process.

“The victims will be taken to Bhayangkara Hospital for identification and further handling,” he explained.

Syafii noted that one victim was found in the morning, while the other eight victims were discovered in the afternoon.

As of Wednesday evening, Basarnas recorded 108 survivors, 28 fatalities, and 107 individuals still missing.

“Total: 108 survivors, 28 deceased, 107 still being searched for,” he stated.

“The success in finding these nine victims is the result of the hard work and bravery of the entire SAR team, who continue to conduct searches despite difficult underwater conditions,” he added.

Syafii stated that the diving team will continue to sweep the interior of the shipwreck. He emphasised that search and rescue operations will persist to locate those still missing.

“Today once again proves that the struggle of the joint SAR team does not stop. Nine victims were successfully found thanks to the bravery of the BSG and Navy divers who continued to search the inside of the ship. We will continue our efforts to provide certainty to the families who are still waiting,” Syafii asserted.