Indonesian Navy deploys elite forces and advanced survey vessel for Virgo 8 underwater search

Indonesian Navy deploys elite forces and advanced survey vessel for Virgo 8 underwater search

Indonesian authorities have authorized the deployment of the Navy's elite amphibious forces command (Kopaska) and the Basarnas Special Group (BSG) for underwater search and rescue operations to locate 129 people still missing following the Virgo Transport 8 ferry accident in the Java Sea.

National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) chief Mohammad Syafii announced on Monday that these specialized diving teams will be supported by KRI Canopus, the Navy's most advanced hydro-oceanographic survey vessel, which is already positioned at the accident site approximately 148 kilometers from Banjarmasin in Masalembo waters.

Advanced survey vessel deployed to accident site

The 105-meter KRI Canopus-936, Indonesia's largest survey vessel with a displacement of over 3,400 tons, arrived in the country just four months ago after departing Germany in March 2026. The vessel is equipped with autonomous underwater vehicles, remotely operated vehicles, and can survey ocean depths of up to 11,000 meters, making it Indonesia's first naval platform capable of supporting submarine rescue operations.

"KRI Canopus is the Navy's newest vessel, operated by the Navy's Hydro-Oceanography Center. We hope this ship will enable us to conduct underwater operations optimally," Syafii said during a press conference at Trisakti Port in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan.

Despite having the advanced warship on-site, Basarnas has not yet deployed diving personnel due to unfavorable water current conditions. The agency is prioritizing personnel safety while waiting for conditions to improve before conducting the underwater search.

Elite special forces join search operation

Kopaska, the Indonesian Navy's underwater demolition and special operations unit established in 1962, brings expertise in diving, underwater combat, and maritime special operations to the mission. The unit specializes in operating in challenging environments including open ocean, rivers, and harbors.

The warship's underwater drone capabilities will assist the search and rescue team in locating victims once water conditions permit underwater operations. The vessel can operate for up to 60 days at sea with a range of 10,000 nautical miles.

The overall search operation has mobilized 17 ships and aircraft carrying approximately 655 personnel from the military, police, and other agencies as of Monday.

Current status of rescue efforts

Basarnas has confirmed that 114 victims have been located, comprising 108 survivors and six deceased individuals. Of these, 86 have arrived at Trisakti Port in Banjarmasin, consisting of 85 survivors and one deceased victim. A total of 129 people remain missing out of 243 passengers aboard the ferry.

The Virgo Transport 8 lost contact in Masalembo waters at approximately 02:00 local time on Sunday, September 13, while traveling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin after departing on Saturday, September 12.

Maritime safety challenges in Indonesia

The incident highlights ongoing maritime safety challenges in Indonesia's archipelago of approximately 17,000 islands, where ferry travel is essential for tens of millions of people. The Java Sea has been the site of previous maritime disasters, including a December 2006 storm that sank a crowded ferry and killed more than 400 people.

Indonesia launched a three-year SCOPE project in January 2025 with European Union financial support to enhance safety, sustainability and connectivity in the domestic ferry sector, implementing the International Maritime Organization's Model Regulations on Domestic Ferry Safety. Just 10 days before the Virgo Transport 8 accident, state-owned ferry operator PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry held a forum on September 2 to strengthen compliance in passenger and vehicle manifest data recording.