Police and rescue agency step up search for journalists missing in the Sunda Strait

A speedboat carrying journalists to cover activity at Mount Anak Krakatau lost contact in the Sunda Strait, prompting a joint search by Indonesian police, Basarnas and other agencies.

The group departed from Pagedongan Pier in Carita at about 2 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 7. Its last communication came at around 2:42 p.m., and authorities declared contact lost at 3:04 p.m.

The Banten Regional Police’s marine and air unit then worked with Basarnas and a combined team to search around the speedboat’s last known location. Police public information chief Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir said the police had deployed available personnel and equipment and would continue supporting the operation.

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Police will continue to collaborate and provide maximum support in this search operation. We hope all the media crew members can soon be found safe.

“Police will continue to collaborate and provide maximum support in this search operation. We hope all the media crew members can soon be found safe,” Isir said.

A Basarnas vessel and combined personnel from the Banten Regional Police, the national police headquarters and other units searched until 10:31 p.m. The operation was reported to have remained safe and under control before it was suspended temporarily. Banten police patrol deputy chief Lis Handayana said the search would resume the following day.

Preliminary Basarnas data listed at least seven people as missing, including photojournalist M. Bagus Khoirunnas of Indonesia’s Antara news agency, Ari Basuki of Merdeka, Yudhis of iNews, Daus of Anadolu and freelance journalist Donal. Two other people were still being identified.

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For the time being, the search has been stopped and tomorrow we will continue it again.