Owners of KM Virgo Meet Victims' Families, Comment on Captain's Investigation

BANJARMASIN, KOMPAS.com - Representatives from PT Virgo Karya Shipping (VKS), the owner of KM Virgo Transport 8, met with the victims' families at Trisakti Port in Banjarmasin on Friday afternoon (18/9/2026).

The shipowner's representatives spoke out regarding the investigation of the ship's captain.

Previously, the vessel carrying 243 passengers suffered an accident in the South Kalimantan waters during its voyage from Surabaya to Banjarmasin in the early hours of Sunday (13/9/2026).

In the incident, 114 passengers have been evacuated, 108 are safe, and 6 have died.

Currently, a joint SAR team continues searching for 129 missing passengers.

Captain Under Investigation

Several victims' families have raised questions about the captain's accountability.

Simon F Rigi, the shipowner's spokesperson, stated that the captain is currently being questioned by authorities.

"Right now, the captain is undergoing questioning, ladies and gentlemen, at the Water Police," Simon told reporters on Friday (18/9/2026).

Not only the captain, but Simon also confirmed that several crew members are also being examined.

However, he did not specify at which Water Police unit the captain and crew are being questioned.

"The crew are also being questioned, all at the Water Police," Simon said.

Simon added that so far they have not been able to communicate with the captain as he is still under investigation.

"Until now, we have not been in contact with the captain because he is still being examined," Simon explained.

Claims Warning System Was Functional

Passengers' families also questioned the ship's alarm system, which they alleged failed to work during the critical moments when the ship began to capsize.

"How is the alarm system, sir? Is it true it didn't work so our family members didn't have time to get out?" asked one passenger family member.