Transportation Minister: 108 Passengers of KMP Virgo Transport 8 Found Safe

RRI.CO.ID, Banjarmasin – Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi, said a joint search and rescue team had found 108 passengers of KMP Virgo Transport 8 safe as of the second day of the search operation following the vessel’s accident in the Java Sea in the early hours of Sunday, September 13, 2026.

“A total of 114 people have been found, comprising 108 survivors and six people who died,” Dudy said during a press conference at Trisakti Port, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, on Monday, September 14, 2026.

He said the number of personnel involved in the search operation had increased to more than 600. The additional personnel are expected to optimize the search and help locate more passengers who remain missing.

He also expressed hope that weather conditions at the accident site would support the search and evacuation efforts. “I continue to remind all parties involved in this operation to prioritize safety and strengthen coordination in the field,” he said.

The Minister explained that survivors requiring medical treatment would be referred to hospitals. Meanwhile, survivors in relatively good condition would be handed over to the shipping operator to be transported to their respective hometowns.

Regarding the vessel’s condition, Dudy confirmed that KMP Virgo Transport 8 was not operating under overloaded conditions. Based on the information received, the vessel was not carrying its maximum passenger capacity when it was sailing.

“It should be noted that KMP Virgo Transport 8 was sailing without being overloaded. Nevertheless, we will wait for a comprehensive investigation by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) to determine the exact cause of the accident,” he said.

The National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) has conducted an initial investigation at the scene. The KNKT team has also collected data on the vessel’s specifications and interviewed surviving passengers and crew members.