Reports of Stranded Persons Linked to Missing Journalists Near Anak Krakatau Unconfirmed; SAR Team Reports No Findings
Pandeglang, VIVA – Reports regarding stranded individuals allegedly linked to the search for five journalists and three crew members who lost contact in the Sunda Strait have yet to yield any clarity.
The joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team has followed up on this information by conducting checks around Bakauheni Port, Lampung. However, as of Friday, 11 September 2026, no stranded persons were found as suggested by the circulating reports.
The Commander of Lantamal Banten, Navy Lieutenant Colonel (P) Wawan Subagyo Mardani, stated that the validity of the information cannot yet be confirmed. Nevertheless, the team continues to move forward to verify the truth.
“Regarding the information about stranded persons, after the information was followed up by the joint team from Basarnas, the Indonesian Navy, and the Water Police, our colleagues found that the reliability or validity of the information was low. However, colleagues continued the search, and as of approximately 2:30 PM this afternoon, it was reported that the reported stranded position yielded nothing after being searched,” Wawan said, as quoted on Saturday, 12 September 2026.
The Head of the Banten SAR Office, Al Amrad, also confirmed that no stranded persons have been found who could be linked to the eight individuals still being sought.
“We have also investigated the information regarding the stranded persons and went directly to the location. We coordinated with the Lampung SAR Office, with TNI colleagues in Lampung, the Navy, and the Water Police. They searched the reported location, but so far, there is no clear lead,” said Amrad.
Amidst the unverified reports, the SAR team has instead tightened the search in areas considered closest to the location where the vessel went missing.
On the fourth day of the operation, the search was concentrated on four sectors and one special sector on islands located approximately 3 kilometres from Mount Anak Krakatau.
KN SAR Tetuka and RIB 02 Banten have been deployed to sweep the area. Furthermore, the search is being conducted not only at sea but also on the landmasses of Rakata Island, Sertung Island, and Panjang Island.
“For the special sector outside the previous four sectors, we deployed KN SAR Tetuka and RIB 02 Banten. RIB 02 returned to Marina Pier at 3:31 PM WIB after sweeping the area around the Anak Krakatau volcano, including searching three island points (Rakata, Sertung, and Panjang Islands) and sweeping the land,” said Amrad.