Virgo Ship Sinks: SAR Teams Utilise Underwater Robots to Maximise Search for Victims

The Search and Rescue (SAR) team is maximising the use of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), or underwater robots, in efforts to search for victims of the KM Virgo Transport 8. This measure aims to determine the exact position of the ship and simplify the selection of subsequent rescue options.

“We are using the available ROVs; the monitor cameras will then relay the position to the divers,” said the Director of Operations at Basarnas, Rear Admiral Yudhi Bramantyo Nur Sasongko.

Determining the ship’s position is considered vital for divers to map the interior of the vessel, which will assist them in conducting evacuations.

“The ROV remains our primary tool. As the ROV operates, the diving team also proceeds with their tasks,” he explained.

Bramantyo noted that over the last two days, the diving team has successfully entered the ship and secured additional pieces of evidence. This includes 197 expedition delivery packages, nine flares, flare launchers, life raft batteries, life raft lights, and one brown wallet containing an identity card.

These items have been secured at Trisakti Port, Banjarmasin, and will be handed over to the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) as additional evidence.