Search Update for KM Virgo Victims: 20 Dead, 115 Still Missing

The Basarnas Special Group (BSG) diving team, alongside SAR potential personnel, has discovered another victim of the KM Virgo Transport 8, which sank in the waters of the Java Sea, South Kalimantan. This victim was located by the SAR team during a dive around the ship’s hull today.

“The victim was found while the joint team was conducting diving operations around the hull of KM Virgo Transport 8,” stated the Head of Basarnas, M. Syafii, in a statement on Wednesday (13/09/2026).

The SAR team subsequently transported the body to the KN SAR Pacitan, which is stationed at the location. The deceased will be taken to a hospital for the identification process.

“After being successfully evacuated, the victim was brought to KN SAR Pacitan and will subsequently be flown via Helicopter HR 3601 to Syamsudin Noor Airbase in Banjarmasin,” he said.

“Upon arrival at Syamsudin Noor Airbase, the victim was then taken to Bhayangkara Hospital to undergo the identification process,” he added.

Syafii added that the search and evacuation process continues, with all SAR elements deploying their best capabilities. He noted that underwater conditions remain a significant challenge for the diving teams.

“Every victim successfully found is a responsibility that we must evacuate and return to their families. The SAR team will continue to strive to conduct the search until all victims can be found,” he explained.

To date, Basarnas has recorded a total of 128 victims found, consisting of 108 survivors and 20 fatalities. Meanwhile, 115 people remain missing from a total manifest of 243 individuals.