PT Virgo Karya Shipping has reached an agreement with its insurer to raise the sunken ferry Virgo Transport 8 in order to recover the bodies of 55 missing passengers and crew members of the vessel. This operation is rarely conducted due to its technical complexities and high costs.
Challenges of the Raising Operation
The position and condition of the Virgo Transport 8 vessel present significant challenges for any rescue team. The ship is completely upside down on the seabed and rests entirely on its upper structures in shallow water. The presence of strong currents in the area also limits divers' access. However, due to the shallow water depth, this operation is more accessible compared to sunken ships in deeper waters.
Recent Developments in Negotiations
A spokesperson for PT Virgo Karya Shipping has stated that the company has conducted extensive negotiations with its P&I insurer, which is based overseas. Additionally, the company has received significant support from Indonesian government entities to expedite the selection of a rescue team. Overall, the goal is for the rescue team to be on-site by the end of this month.
Currently, no contract has been signed, but a final agreement with an international salvage partner is expected to be reached soon. The spokesperson told the media that the aim is to conduct the salvage operation in a timely and safe manner.
Past Experiences and the Importance of Timing
Similar operations in the past, such as the raising of the Sewol ferry in South Korea in 2017, highlight the challenges involved in such operations. This operation was accompanied by long delays and excessive costs. Therefore, PT Virgo Karya Shipping is under significant pressure from regional port authorities KSOP Banjarmasin to complete the operation in a short timeframe.
Currently, dive teams are working to recover the bodies inside the ship, but the work is being conducted under dangerous and difficult conditions. The interior of the ship is dark, narrow, and filled with debris, making it challenging for divers. If the ship is brought to the water's surface, the internal search for recovering bodies will be significantly easier.
Given the importance of this operation and the number of remaining victims, thorough and prompt follow-ups to ensure the successful completion of this operation seem essential.
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