Banten SAR deploys thermal drones to search for journalists missing in the Sunda Strait

Banten’s search and rescue office will use two thermal drones to look for a group of journalists who lost contact in the Sunda Strait. The group had departed from Pegedongan Pier in Carita, Pandeglang, by speedboat for Anak Krakatau.

Search coordinator Rizky Dwianto said the operation would resume when conditions allowed, with combined vessels and personnel. The search was scheduled to restart at 7 a.m. Helicopters and aircraft could not be used because volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau remained dangerous for aviation.

The drones, carried aboard the KN SAR Tetuka, will scan the area around the volcano from the air. The previous search continued until about 10 p.m., when the vessel docked at Ciwandan Port in Cilegon. Officials suspended the operation because rough sea conditions and limited visibility made nighttime work less effective and less safe.

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We have equipped the KN SAR Tetuka with drones. At Anak Krakatau, we may fly them and conduct an aerial search using thermal drones.

The operation includes two speedboats, RIB 02 Banten, the KN SAR Tetuka and a rescue inflatable boat from Lampung. Teams are also checking whether the journalists’ boat may have stopped at small islands or unmonitored piers. Reports that the group could be on Sebesi Island remained unconfirmed, and local fishermen were expected to join the search.

Five main assets from different agencies were listed as ready for deployment: the KN SAR Tetuka, RIB 02 Banten, RIB Lampung, KAL Anyer and an ambulance from FBN Banten. Search personnel include members of 16 agencies and community groups.

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The sea conditions were quite unfavorable, and visibility was also limited. So we docked for effectiveness and safety.