SURABAYA — The Surabaya Search and Rescue (SAR) Office has deployed KN SAR 249 Permadi and helicopter HR-3601 to support the search for Virgo Transport 8, a vessel carrying 243 people that lost contact while sailing from Surabaya to Banjarmasin on Sunday (September 13, 2026).
The vessel reportedly lost contact at around 1:00 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) after encountering bad weatherduring its voyage to Banjarmasin. The latest information prompted a coordinated search and rescue operation involving SAR teams from Surabaya and Banjarmasin.
The Banjarmasin SAR Office, which initially received the report, immediately dispatched a rescue team to the Basirih SAR Dock at 4:30 a.m. Central Indonesia Time (WITA). The team then proceeded toward the estimated last known position of Virgo Transport 8 aboard KN SAR Laksmana 241, with an estimated travel time of approximately five hours.
KN SAR 249 Permadi Deployed from Tanjung Perak
To strengthen the search operation, Head of the Surabaya SAR Office Nanang Sigit P. H., S.IP., M.M. ordered KN SAR 249 Permadi to depart from the Navigation District Dock at Tanjung Perak Port at 8:30 a.m. WIB.
The SAR vessel is heading toward the estimated search area for Virgo Transport 8. Traveling at a speed of approximately 14 knots, KN SAR 249 Permadi is expected to reach the search area at around 9:30 p.m. WIB.
“KN SAR 249 Permadi departed with 11 crew members, four rescuers from the Surabaya SAR Office, and two personnel from the East Java Regional Police Water and Air Police Directorate (Polairud Polda Jatim),” Nanang said.
Helicopter HR-3601 Supports Aerial Search
In addition to the SAR vessel, helicopter HR-3601 was deployed from Squadron 400, Juanda Naval Air Base (Lanudal Juanda) at 8:22 a.m. WIB to support the Banjarmasin SAR Office in the search operation.
The helicopter is carrying five crew members and two rescuers from the Surabaya SAR Office. It is expected to arrive in Banjarmasin at approximately 10:31 a.m. WIB before coordinating with the SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC), I Putu Sudayana, S.E., M.A.P., who is also the Head of the Banjarmasin SAR Office.
The deployment of both the SAR vessel and helicopter is intended to strengthen the search effort by combining maritime and aerial search capabilities.
Ships Urged to Report Any Signs of Virgo Transport 8
As of Sunday, the search for Virgo Transport 8 remains ongoing. Personnel from the Sumenep SAR Post are also coordinating with SROP Masalembu to disseminate information regarding the incident.
The dissemination is aimed at alerting vessels sailing in the vicinity of the incident. Passing vessels are being asked to remain vigilant and provide any information or assistance to the joint SAR team if they encounter signs or indications of the missing Virgo Transport 8.
The joint SAR operation will continue as teams work to locate the vessel and determine the whereabouts of all 243 people reportedly aboard.
