Day 8 of Search for Missing Journalists in the Sunda Strait: 20 Vessels Deployed
A total of 20 vessels have been deployed in the search and rescue (SAR) operation for five journalists and three boat crew who went missing in the Sunda Strait whilst covering Mount Anak Krakatau. The SAR team is combing an area of the Sunda Strait waters spanning 3,962 square nautical miles.
“The search area for the team today is 3,962 square nautical miles. For the sector division, we have divided it into five sectors. The main equipment involved consists of 20 vessels,” said Head of Operations and Preparedness Sub-Division at Basarnas Banten, Rizky Dwianto, on Tuesday (15/9/2026).
The deployment of 20 vessels today marks the largest number used during the search process, which has now entered its eighth day. On Monday (14/9), 18 vessels were deployed.
Regarding weather information, the joint SAR team received information from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) that today’s weather in the Sunda Strait area is cloudy, with waves of 0.5 to 2.5 metres heading towards the north-east. In addition, there are winds blowing at 5 to 20 knots, moving from the south-east towards the south.
Basarnas also received information from the Geological Agency concerning the activity of Mount Anak Krakatau.
“We can inform you that for visual observation of Mount Anak Krakatau, the mountain is covered by mist. The smoke cannot be observed. As for seismic observations, shallow volcanic activity is occurring with continuous tremors,” he said.
The following is a breakdown of the vessels involved:
3 KN SAR vessels
2 RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) from Basarnas
Indonesian Navy vessels: 4 KRI units, 2 KAL units, 1 RBB unit
8 Polairud (Marine Police) vessels
The joint SAR team has not given up on searching for the eight missing individuals. The team has decided to extend the search operation for a further three days.
“I would like to convey the evaluation of the seventh day of SAR operations, which we carried out today, and the results remain nil. Based on the coordination meeting conveyed by the Governor, we will continue for the next three days,” said Head of the Banten Search and Rescue Office, Al Amrad, at the joint SAR post in Carita, Pandeglang, on Monday (14/9).
Al Amrad said that every search effort carried out by the SAR team is based on calculations using data issued by BMKG and PVMBG. During the extended period, the office will continue to deploy its standby fleet.
“As usual, we have conveyed from the first day through to the seventh day that we will re-evaluate what our challenges are and which areas we have not yet covered,” said Al Amrad.