Underwater Currents at KM Virgo Wreck Slow Down, Navy Divers Successfully Install Mooring Lines

BANJARMASIN, KOMPAS.com - Navy divers from the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL) resumed their dive operations at the wreck of KM Virgo Transport 8 after underwater currents at the accident site began to slow down on Thursday (17/9/2026).

This improvement allowed diving activities to proceed from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Central Indonesian Time (Wita).

The diving team, including personnel from the Frogmen Command (Kopaska), successfully installed mooring lines around the shipwreck.

Director of Search and Rescue Operations at Basarnas, First Admiral TNI Yudhi Bramantyo, also known as Bram, said the underwater current speed had significantly decreased compared to the previous day’s conditions.

“Yesterday it was 6.8 knots; today, if I’m not mistaken, it’s between 1.5 and 2 knots. This has allowed divers to descend,” Bram said, as reported by TribunBanjarmasin on Thursday.

Function of Mooring Lines

According to Bram, the mooring lines assist divers in moving back up to the surface.

These lines also help the team communicate information about conditions encountered underwater.

The reduction in current speed marks a significant development in the ongoing search for victims of KM Virgo Transport 8.

Previously, the underwater current, nearly reaching 7 knots, posed serious challenges to the diving process.

The KM Virgo Transport 8 wreck is currently located at a depth of approximately 29 meters.

On the same day, Basarnas deployed a helicopter to monitor the site. From the air, the ship's structure became clearly visible again.

To ensure maritime safety around the area, the Navigation District has installed warning signs for vessels passing nearby.