SAR Team Deploys Drones to Search for Journalists Missing During Anak Krakatau Eruption Coverage

Pandeglang (ANTARA) - The Banten Search and Rescue (SAR) team has equipped a drone to search for five journalists and three others, including a guide, a ship captain, and crew members, who went missing while covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, Banten.

“We are continuing to equip one vessel with a drone. We have prepared it for today as well, but considering the field conditions, where wind direction can change unexpectedly, we must remain vigilant,” said Basarnas SAR Mission Coordinator (SMC), Al Amrad, at the Marina Carita Beach SAR Post, Pandeglang, Banten, on Thursday.

He added that the joint SAR team will conduct the operation through a structured division of work zones, ranging from ports in Banten to the waters of Lampung.

“We can provide some information regarding the operational permits for today, where we will divide the sectors. This includes the Ciwandan Port, KN SAR Basudewa, the Lampung SAR Office, and KRI Beserta and Lepu, which are moving from the Lampung region,” he said.

The search area for today covers a total of 2,109 square nautical miles.

During this joint SAR operation, the agency has deployed several maritime combat support vessels, including KRI Lepu, KN SAR Tetuka, KN SAR Basudewa, KAL Pohawang, KP Sanjaya, and elements of the Banten Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) 02.

In addition to patrolling the open sea, the SAR team is also optimising the role of local fishermen to reach coastal areas.

“In Sector E, our colleagues are assisting fishermen in conducting searches along the coasts of Banten,” he said.