Indonesia expands search for eight missing journalists near Anak Krakatau
Eight people – five journalists and three crew members – vanished after their speedboat lost contact while heading to the Anak Krakatau volcano in the Sunda Strait. A joint rescue effort involving the navy warships KRI Leuser‑924, KRI Kerambit‑627 and KRI Lepu‑861, along with other vessels such as KRI Loser, KRI Kerambit, KRI Lepu, KAL Anyer and KAL Pahawang, was launched. After an initial sweep on Sept 8 with the KN SAR Tetuka and RIB‑02 yielded no results, the operation was broadened on Sept 9 into four Search and Rescue sectors.
Basarnas Deputy for Operations and Preparedness Edy Prakoso announced the full‑scale search, noting challenging conditions with strong winds and waves up to two metres. No trace of the missing group has been located as the search continues.
How this was covered
- Right-leaning outlets covered this 2h later
Why it matters
The incident underscores the risks journalists face covering hazardous volcanic activity and tests Indonesia's ability to coordinate large‑scale maritime rescues.
How this story developed
- Sep 8 Respiratory Cases Surge in Bandarlampung Amid Anak Krakatau Eruption
- Sep 9 Search was restarted with four SAR units and thermal drones slated for flight.
- Sep 10 Search was broadened on Sept 9 into four SAR sectors after the initial sweep found no results.
