Search Operation for Missing Journalists in Anak Krakatau Waters Expanded
The search and rescue operation for the speedboat carrying photojournalists that lost contact in the Sunda Strait waters of Pandeglang Regency, Banten, entered its eighth day on Tuesday (15/9/2026). The whereabouts of the speedboat remain unknown.
Head of the Banten Search and Rescue Office Al Amrad said all available resources would continue to be optimised to increase the chances of finding the eight people still being sought. The joint SAR team has expanded the sea sweep by dividing the search area into five sectors covering a total of approximately 3,962 square nautical miles.
“On this eighth day, we have again expanded the search across several sea sectors, involving joint SAR elements from Basarnas, the TNI, the National Police and other SAR capabilities. We are also monitoring the coastal areas of Bengkulu and Enggano Island as a precautionary measure in case there is any movement of victims or objects related to this incident,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
The eight people aboard the speedboat are still being searched for. They comprise Warta, the ship’s captain; Surakman, a crew member; Heriyanto, a guide; and five journalists: M Bagus Khoirunnas of Antara, Ari Basuki of Merdeka, Yudhis of iNews, Daus of Anadolu, and Donal, a freelance journalist.
The search in Sector A, covering 1,026 square nautical miles, is being conducted by KRI Gilimanuk and KRI Leuser. Sector B, covering 780 square nautical miles, is being swept by KN SAR Antasena and KP Sanjaya.
Sector C, covering 825 square nautical miles, involves KN SAR Tetuka, KRI Lepu and KRI Kerambit. Sector D, covering 872 square nautical miles, is being swept by KN SAR Basudewa, RIB 02 Lampung, KAL Anyer and KAL Pahowang. Sector F, covering 459 square nautical miles, is being searched by RIB 02 Banten, RBB Pulau Peucang, several Marine Police vessels and other supporting elements.
Amrad said the operation is also being reinforced by two Basarnas thermal drones to assist with aerial monitoring. A number of land search and rescue assets have been placed on standby, including rescue vehicles, communications vehicles, ambulances and personnel trucks.
In addition to expanding the search at sea, the Banten Search and Rescue Office has notified the Bengkulu SAR Office. The move is intended to monitor the coastal areas of Bengkulu and Enggano Island to anticipate the possibility that victims or material from the speedboat may have been carried by currents to that region.
Amrad said the safety of personnel remains a priority throughout the operation. The SAR team is paying close attention to weather developments, wind speed, wave height and the results of field evaluations.
Based on weather forecasts, he said conditions at the search location are expected to be heavily overcast with south-easterly winds blowing at 10 to 20 knots. Wave heights are expected to reach 0.5 to 3.5 metres.
The five photojournalists were reported to have lost contact while on assignment documenting conditions at Mount Anak Krakatau. They have been missing since Monday (7/9/2026). Besides the five journalists, the speedboat was also carrying the captain, a crew member and a guide.