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KM Virgo Transport 8 shipwreck search continues in Java Sea
Search and rescue operations continue for the KM Virgo Transport 8, which capsized in the Java Sea after encountering severe weather while traveling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin. As of September 24, 2026, authorities have accounted for 150 individuals, consisting of 108 survivors and 42 deceased. Approximately 93 people remain missing.
The operation, led by the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), involves roughly 1,256 personnel and 17 vessels. Divers from the Basarnas Special Group and the Indonesian Navy have successfully recovered bodies from within the sunken hull, but efforts are significantly hindered by strong underwater currents of 6 to 7 knots and poor visibility.
Captain Haris Yulianto is currently under investigation by the South Kalimantan Regional Police following allegations regarding his actions during the incident. Meanwhile, Basarnas officials stated that a full salvage operation to move the vessel cannot begin for at least three months, as fuel tanks must first be drained to prevent environmental contamination. The vessel must be moved within a maximum of 180 days.
Entities
Basarnas · Haris Yulianto · Java Sea · KM Virgo Transport 8 · Laut Jawa · Mohammad Syafii
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The salvage operation for the sunken vessel cannot be conducted immediately and will take at least three months. katadata.co.id
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Sea currents of 6 to 7 knots have hindered underwater search efforts. en.antaranews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Approximately 1,256 personnel and 17 vessels have been deployed for the search and rescue operation. en.antaranews.com · katadata.co.id
- [DISPUTED] 93 people remain missing and are still being searched for. news.harianjogja.com · www.cnbcindonesia.com · news.okezone.com · www.jawapos.com
- [DISPUTED] 108 people were found alive and 42 people were found dead. news.harianjogja.com · www.cnbcindonesia.com · news.okezone.com · www.jawapos.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Ship captain Haris Yulianto is undergoing investigation by the South Kalimantan Regional Police. www.jawapos.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The vessel must be moved within a maximum of 180 days. en.antaranews.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] As of Thursday, September 24, 2026, 150 victims have been found. news.harianjogja.com · www.cnbcindonesia.com · news.okezone.com · www.jawapos.com