KM Virgo Transport 8 search reaches day 22 with 82 dead

The search and rescue operation for the victims of the KM Virgo Transport 8 maritime accident has entered its 22nd day. As of October 4, 2026, authorities have accounted for 190 individuals out of the 243 people on the vessel's manifest, with 108 survivors and 82 confirmed deceased. Fifty-three victims remain missing.

Recent developments include the discovery of two additional bodies in the Seruyan waters of Central Kalimantan. These victims were transported to the TNI AL Kumai post for identification. The Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team from the South Kalimantan Police has successfully identified 63 of the 80 bodies received at Bhayangkara Hospital in Banjarmasin. Data indicates that the majority of the deceased are from East Java, with 28 identified individuals from that province.

In response to the tragedy, PT Jasa Raharja and Jasaraharja Putera have disbursed Rp4.35 billion in compensation to 65 identified victims and their heirs. Meanwhile, Basarnas has advised families waiting at the port to seek accommodation or return home, noting that victims will be processed through the DVI team in Banjarmasin before being released to relatives.