SAR Team Deploys Helicopters and Drones to Search for Missing Journalists
The Banten Search and Rescue (SAR) Office is optimising the search operation for five journalists reported missing while covering activities at Mount Anak Krakatau (GAK). The joint SAR team has deployed aerial support in the form of a Dauphin AS365 N3+ helicopter, registration number HR-3604, to the waters of the Sunda Strait, Pandeglang Regency, Banten, on Thursday (10/9).
The Head of the Banten SAR Office, Al Amrad, stated that the deployment of the helicopter aims to expand the visual range and accelerate aerial monitoring at crucial points within the Sunda Strait. The helicopter, HR-3604, departed from Atang Sendjaja Air Force Base (ATS) in Bogor at 12:36 WIB and was scheduled to land at JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, before sweeping the Banten region.
“The flight route includes JIExpo Kemayoran – Carita Beach – Banten BPBD – Helipad/JIExpo Kemayoran. The helicopter is carrying seven personnel as part of the effort to strengthen the search through aerial support,” said Al Amrad in Pandeglang on Thursday (10/9).
In addition to the aerial fleet, Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency) has scheduled the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) stationed on ships to maximise close-range visual monitoring on the sea surface. However, the operation of drones and sweeping vessels remains subject to changes in wind direction and extreme maritime meteorological dynamics in the Sundata Strait.
To locate all victims, the joint SAR team plans to expand the search sector closer to the waters surrounding Mount Anak Krakatau, while considering occupational safety recommendations. “We are keeping the drones ready on the ships. However, we are monitoring the field conditions as wind directions can change rapidly,” explained Al Amrad.
Al Amrad added that the idea of approaching the area nearest to Mount Anak Krakatau has emerged from the team’s evaluation. Nevertheless, the safety of all joint personnel remains the highest priority in the field. The Banten SAR authorities continue to monitor the latest developments from the Volcano Observation Post (PGA) to ensure the team’s movements remain within a safe zone, away from the threat of volcanic material eruptions.