inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Indonesian National Police (INP) further strengthened their response to the KM Virgo Transport 8 accident by evacuating two bodies using the Dauphin AS 365 N3/P-3103 Police Helicopter from the waters south of Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, on Tuesday (9/15/2026).

The evacuation was carried out after a joint SAR team found two bodies on a barge being towed by Tugboat TCP 205. 

Upon arrival at the location, the two bodies were recovered using a hoist and a life basket from the barge to the helicopter. 

The two bodies were then taken to Syamsudin Noor Airport to be handed over to the Police Disaster Victim Investigation Team and relevant parties for further handling and identification.

Head of the Public Information Bureau of INP, Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko stated that their support for the operation was carried out in full preparation, from sea searches to the evacuation of recovered victims.

"We continue to provide full support in the search and rescue operation for the KM Virgo Transport 8. When victims were found, we also prepared evacuation facilities, including helicopter support, so that victims could be immediately transported for further treatment," Trunoyudo said in a statement in Jakarta, Tuesday (9/15/2026).

Based on the latest SAR operation progress data as of 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday (9/15/2026), 114 of the 243 people aboard the KM Virgo Transport 8 had been found, consisting of 108 safe and six deceased. Meanwhile, 129 others were still being searched for.

Trunoyudo emphasized that the police, along with Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency), and all SAR elements, were continuing the search, optimizing ship and air support.

"The search and rescue operation is ongoing. We, along with Basarnas and all SAR personnel are continuing to search for victims still missing. Any victims found will be immediately treated and evacuated according to conditions on the ground," he said.

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