SAR expands search for missing journalists across four sectors on fourth day

The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has deployed 13 vessels on the fourth day of the search for five journalists who lost contact while covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, spanning four different sectors.

The Head of the Banten SAR Office, Al Amrad, stated that the 13 assets deployed for the fourth day of the operation include KRI Kerambit 627, KN SAR Tetuka, KP Hayabusa, KN SAR Basudewa, KRI Leuser 924, KAL Anyer, KP Sanjaya, RIB 02 Banten, RBB P Peucang, RIB Lampung, KAL Pahawang, TB Gunung Santri, and KRI Lepu.

“For today, we are moving 13 assets divided into four sectors,” he said at the Marina Carita SAR Post, Pandeglang, Banten, on Friday.

He explained that, firstly, vessels will traverse Sector A, which covers a search area of approximately 1,026 nautical miles, using KRI Kerambit, KP Sanjaya, and KAL Pahawang. “Because the area is quite vast, we are using three assets, positioned in the open sea, approximately near Tanjung Belimbing, Lampung,” he noted.

Furthermore, for Sector C, the search area covers approximately 585 nautical miles, involving two assets: KN SAR Basudewa from Lampung and a RIB based in Lampung. “KN SAR is conducting the search in the central region, while the RIB is sweeping the coastline of the island or Tanjung Belimbing,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Sector D, covering approximately 585 nautical miles, will be traversed using KAL Hayabusa, positioned from north of Sector C up to Tanjung Panaitan.

He added that today, the joint SAR team will also conduct further sweeps of the islands surrounding Mount Anak Krakatau, including Sebesi Island. “We will monitor the entirety of Krakatau Island, Panjang Island, and Sertung Island, while one RIB from Lampung, RIB 02, will circle the search area around Sebesi Island,” he said.

The five journalists have been missing since Monday (7/9) while travelling towards the Sunda Strait waters to cover the eruptive activity of Mount Anak Krakatau.