Basarnas Defends Virgo Transport 8 SAR Strategy as Internationally Compliant
Basarnas says the Virgo Transport 8 SAR operation follows international rules, with search sectors adjusted to currents and changing field conditions.
Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has defended its search and rescue (SAR) strategy for the KM Virgo Transport 8 accident in the Java Sea as internationally compliant. Speaking at a press conference, Basarnas Head Air Marshal Mohammad Syafii assured that all operations adhered to international regulations and a solid legal foundation.
Search patterns fluctuate daily as teams adapt to various field factors, with the number of sectors changing from eight on the first day to six on subsequent days. Adjustments are made due to evolving field conditions and the potential impact of current movements on search data. Despite moving away from the initial accident site, the SAR team continues to search the wreckage area, as victims might have exited the vessel.
Basarnas is subject to annual International Maritime Organization (IMO) audits, ensuring strict adherence to international regulations and legal standards. The agency urges the public and victims' families to obtain updates directly from Basarnas and requests prayers for favorable weather conditions to enable smooth search efforts.
As of September 15, 2026, at 10:00 PM Central Indonesian Time, all 114 located victims were safely in Banjarmasin, with 108 survivors and six deceased. An estimated 129 victims remain missing.
Written by urgent.news from Tempo.co English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
