Journalists and Crew Missing Amidst Strong Southern Winds
Photojournalists and crew members missing in the waters of Anak Krakatau were reportedly sailing during periods of strong southern winds. These gusts have the potential to drift vessels towards the Indian Ocean.
“In the afternoon when they went missing, the southern winds were blowing very strongly,” said Arbi, a resident of Carita District, Pandeglang Regency, on Friday (1/11/2026).
For local residents, monitoring wind direction is common knowledge. Typically, this period marks the start of the western wind season; however, recent wind cycles have become increasingly unpredictable.
On Monday afternoon, when the vessel navigating the Anak Krakatau waters disappeared, the southern winds were blowing. Waves were also high, reaching three metres. “That is why fishermen who encountered them were advised to pull ashore first,” he added.
The encounter with the fishermen occurred after 6:00 PM. The fisherman stated that at that time, he saw the boat carrying the photojournalists on its journey back towards Banten.
Arbi noted that fishermen usually do not dare to sail in the afternoon during the southern wind season. This is because if an engine fails, a boat can be swept out into the open Indian Ocean.
Conversely, during the western wind season, waves tend to drift boats towards Banten, increasing the likelihood of vessels being stranded on islands around Anak Krakatau.
On Thursday (10/9/2026), several fishermen attempted to search for the boat in Lampung waters. However, the search was hindered by strong winds and high waves reaching six metres.
Sosa (50), another resident of Carita, stated that incidents of boats going missing in the waters around Anak Krakatau are very rare. Fishing boats usually only sail near the coast during this wind season.
As a relative of the ship’s captain, Warta, he stated that his wife remains deeply devastated by her husband’s disappearance.
According to Banten SAR reports, the speedboat carrying the group departed from Pagedongan Pier, Carita, on Monday (7/9) at approximately 2:00 PM WIB. There were eight people on board, consisting of five journalists, the captain, crew members, and a guide.
The group set out towards the Gunung Anak Krakatau waters to report on the volcano’s activity.
The journey initially proceeded with communication being monitored. At 2:42 PM WIB, the group was known to have sent their live location to fellow journalists in Lampung.
However, approximately 22 minutes later, communication with the group was lost. At exactly 3:04 PM WIB, no further communication could be established. The last known location was at coordinates 6°14’40.52”S 105°40’49.48”T.
Since the report of lost contact was received, joint SAR teams have been conducting searches in the Sunda Strait waters. The search efforts have been strengthened by the deployment of several vessels from the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL), Basarnas, and the Marine Police (Polairud). The search continues in hopes of finding all members of the group safe and sound.