started · updated
KM Virgo Transport 8: Basarnas halts diving, shifts search to coastal regions
The search for victims of the KM Virgo Transport 8 shipwreck in the Java Sea has entered its 21st day. As of October 2, 2026, 80 people have been confirmed dead and 55 remain missing out of 243 people on the vessel's manifest.
Basarnas has officially halted underwater diving operations due to the deteriorating condition of the victims' bodies and the unstable structure of the ship, which makes diving ineffective and dangerous for personnel. The search focus has shifted from underwater diving to surface and coastal searches, specifically targeting the waters of South, Central, and West Kalimantan, as currents have likely carried victims and debris across provincial borders.
PT Virgo Karya Shipping, the vessel's operator, has confirmed that a salvage operation to raise the wreck is planned for October 2026. The company is working with international insurers and the Ministry of Transportation to appoint a salvage partner. This move is intended to facilitate the recovery of the remaining 55 missing persons believed to be trapped inside the vessel.
Entities
Banjarmasin · Basarnas · Java Sea · KM Virgo Transport 8 · Kalimantan · Mohammad Syafii · PT Virgo Karya Shipping · Polda Kalimantan Selatan · Pusdokkes Polri · Rumah Sakit Bhayangkara Banjarmasin · Virgo Transport 8
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The DVI team has officially identified 12 victims as of October 2, 2026. radargarut.id
- [● 2 SOURCES] The search and rescue operation has involved more than 1,200 personnel. www.jurnas.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The operation utilizes seven aircraft, 24 large ships, and 63 specialized divers. www.jurnas.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The vessel's manifest recorded a total of 243 people. www.suarasurabaya.net · jawapos.com · www.tvsarawak.my
- [● 6 SOURCES] The search area has expanded to include South, Central, and West Kalimantan. www.jurnas.com · bangkaterkini.id · news.republika.co.id · jawapos.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] As of October 2, 2026, 80 people have been confirmed dead and 55 remain missing following the sinking of KM Virgo Transport 8. batakpost.com · www.suarasurabaya.net · jawapos.com · www.tvsarawak.my
- [● 4 SOURCES] Basarnas has halted underwater diving operations because the condition of the victims' bodies has changed, making diving ineffective. news.harianjogja.com · news.republika.co.id · jawapos.com · katadata.co.id
- [● 4 SOURCES] PT Virgo Karya Shipping plans to conduct a salvage operation to lift the KM Virgo Transport 8 wreck in October 2026. news.harianjogja.com · www.jpnn.com · www.tvsarawak.my · en.tempo.co