HR-3604 Helicopter Deployed to Strengthen SAR Operations for Journalists
A joint SAR team has deployed the Dauphin AS 365 N3+ HR-3604 helicopter to support search operations for a group of journalists who lost contact in the waters of the Sunda Strait, Pandeglang, Banten.
Flying the route ATS–SAS Carita Beach–ATS, the helicopter took off from ATS at 08:20 WIB and arrived at Carita Beach at 09:05 WIB.
The Head of the Banten Search and Rescue Office, Al Amrad, stated in Pandeglang on Saturday that aerial support is a vital component in optimising the search, particularly for covering vast areas and conducting monitoring from a different perspective.
“With this support, we hope the monitoring range can be further expanded so that any potential clues regarding the whereabouts of the eight people still being searched for can be immediately identified,” he said.
He added that all elements of the Joint SAR team continue to move according to the established operational plan, while remaining mindful of weather conditions and personnel safety.
The helicopter has been stationed to support the execution of the SAR operation, specifically to expand the aerial monitoring range over the search areas around Mount Anak Krakatau and the Sunda Strait waters.
Helicopter HR-3604 carries a crew of six, consisting of Captain Pnb Dimas, Captain Pnb Zulham, Lettu Pnb Garini, Peltu Nurdin, Sertu Henri, and Prada Prasetyo. There were no passengers on the flight.
Weather conditions in the Carita Beach area upon the helicopter’s arrival were reported as clear, with winds of approximately 2 knots from the east to the west and visibility of less than 8 kilometres.
The disappearance of five journalists and three crew members began when the group departed via speedboat from Pagedongan Pier, Carita, Pandeglang Regency, on Monday (7/9) at approximately 14:00 WIB. They were heading towards the Mount Anak Krakatau area to cover volcanic activity in the region.
The eight individuals still being searched for include five photojournalists: Muhammad Bagus Khoirunas (ANTARA), Arie Basuki (merdeka.com), Donal Husni (freelance photographer), Yudhistira (iNews), and Daus (Anadolu).
In addition to the five journalists, there are three other people on board the vessel: the captain, a crew member, and a guide.