Search for Missing Journalists in Sunda Strait Hindered by Thick Fog

The joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team is facing serious obstacles in the efforts to locate journalists and speedboat crew members who have been reported missing in the waters of the Sunda Strait. As of Monday (7/9), foggy weather conditions with limited visibility have become the primary hindrance in the field.

The Head of the Bakauheni SAR Post, Basarnas Lampung, Rezie Kuswara, revealed that visibility at the search site is currently limited to approximately one nautical mile. “The weather is foggy with visibility around one nautical mile,” Rezie stated in South Lampung.

Despite the weather constraints, the SAR team continues to conduct sweeping and monitoring at several strategic points. The search focus is directed towards locations deemed likely to be the position of the vessel or the victims.

In addition to weather factors, field teams must also remain vigilant regarding the geographical conditions of the waters, which are still influenced by the volcanic activity of Mount Anak Krakutau. Rezie explained that the search operation continues to prioritise the safety of all SAR personnel given the risks in the area.

As the operation enters its seventh day, the joint team—comprising RIB 02 Lampung, KN SAR Basudewa, Tanggamus SAR Post, and other related elements—has yet to find any signs of the victims. “The results from the entire Joint SAR Team remain nil,” he added.

Given that no results have been found within the standard operational timeframe, the Joint SAR Team has decided to extend the search period for the next three days. This decision was made following a thorough evaluation of the operation’s implementation up to the seventh day.

The Head of the Banten SAR Office, Al Amrad, during a press conference in Pandeglang, Banten, emphasised that this extension is the result of an agreement reached during a Joint SAR Team meeting. The primary focus remains on searching for the eight individuals aboard the Arupadhatu 1 speedboat.

“The evaluation of the seventh-day SAR operation yielded no results, and as a result of the Joint SAR Team meeting, we will continue the search for the next three days,” said Al Amrad.

For information, eight people have been declared missing in this incident, consisting of five journalists and three civilians. The Arupadhatu 1 speedboat was reported to have lost contact in the waters around Mount Anak Krakatau, and intensive coordination continues to monitor developments at the location.