Discovery of Life Jacket Potentially Linked to Five Missing Journalists in Sunda Strait
The Head of the Indonesian Navy’s Information Service, Rear Admiral Tunggul, has confirmed that a life jacket was found during the search for five journalists who lost contact in the waters near Anak Krakatau. However, the Navy cannot yet confirm whether the life jacket belongs to one of the journalists or a member of the ship’s crew.
“As of now, it cannot be determined whether the discovered life jacket belongs to the five journalists who lost contact or not,” Tunggul stated when confirmed by ANTARA in Jakarta on Thursday (10/9).
Tunggul explained that the life jacket was found by the KAL Anyer I-3-64 Lanal Banten during the third day of the search operation, west of the Cikoneng-Labuan waters, near Anyer, Banten. He added that the Navy is currently examining the item to establish any link to the missing journalists.
“The Indonesian Navy and the joint team are continuing inspections and further searches to ensure the connection between this finding and the journalists being sought,” he explained.
Previously, five journalists along with three crew members were reported missing in the Sunda Strait waters on Monday (7/9). The journalists have been identified as M. Bagus Khoirunnas (ANTARA News Banten Bureau), Ari Basuki (Merdeka), Yudhis (iNews), Daus (Anadolu News Agency), and Donal (freelance journalist).
The Banten Search and Rescue (SAR) office continues to optimise operations by deploying a Dauphin AS365 N3+ helicopter (registration HR-3604) to support the search efforts.
“Helicopter HR-3604 departed from Atang Sendjaja Airbase (ATS) at 12:36 WIB and was scheduled to arrive at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, at 12:52 WIB. The flight route includes JIExpo Kemayoran – Pantai Carita – BPBD Banten – Helipad/JIExpo Kemayoran,” said the Head of Banten SAR, Al Amrad.
He explained that the helicopter is carrying seven personnel as part of an effort to strengthen the search through aerial support, specifically for monitoring the SAR operational area around the Sunda Strait and surrounding islands.
In addition to the discovery of the life jacket, field teams also found items resembling canisters or bottles commonly used by local fishermen.