Anak Krakatau Eruption: Media Workers Still Missing, Search Extended

JAKARTA, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- The search and rescue (SAR) operation to locate eight individuals including five media personnel reported missing while covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait has been extended by three more days, after a week-long search effort did not produce any result.

Banten SAR Office head Al Amrad said the decision was made following a reassessment of the search area and data on current movements and water conditions.

“This proposal or request to extend the operation was also (made) after we had spoken with the families,” he said in a statement today.

The five media personnel are Muhammad Bagus Khoirunnas from Indonesia’s national news agency Antara, Arie Basuki (Merdeka.com), Yudistiro Pranoto (iNews), Firdaus Wajidi (Anadolu Agency), and freelance journalist Donal Husni, aside from boat captain Warta, boat crew Surakman, and guide Heriyanto. 

The group had been out of contact since Monday while covering the eruption of the volcano around Sebesi Island, Lampung, in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra.

Al Amrad said the search operation will resume using vessels and helicopters, although it depends on weather conditions and visibility.

He said thick fog conditions became the main challenge of the operation for the past few days, as it prevented the SAR helicopters from conducting aerial surveillance.

At this point of time, he said, the SAR team has yet to be able to determine the exact location of the speedboat believed to have been used by the victims.

-- BERNAMA