Indonesian search-and-rescue authorities called off the operation for five missing journalists and three other individuals lost at sea following the early September eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, according to reports from Reuters and the Jakarta Post. The search ended on its tenth day, with Banten Governor Andra Soni stating that rescue teams failed to locate the missing group in the Sunda Strait, though operations could resume if new leads emerge.
Search Operations Ended in the Sunda Strait
According to Reuters, the search concluded after ten days without recovering the missing individuals. The group went missing after departing from Banten province on September 7 aboard a speedboat. They were heading out to cover the aftermath of the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption, which began late on September 4.
The missing personnel include photojournalists from local and international news organizations, including Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, alongside other individuals on the vessel. Basarnas, Indonesia’s national search and rescue agency, led the efforts before officially terminating the active marine sweep.
Impact of the Mount Anak Krakatau Eruption
The initial eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau sent heavy ash plumes across the region, blanketing the capital city of Jakarta and surrounding areas, as reported by Reuters. The volcanic activity created severe safety hazards, forcing the temporary closure of eight airports and disrupting travel for more than 340,000 passengers.
According to the country’s volcanology agency cited by Reuters, the nation sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and contains approximately 500 volcanoes, 127 of which are active.
Tributes and Community Response
In the wake of the terminated search, families and colleagues have held memorial gatherings. ANTARA Foto documented members of the Yudistiro family scattering flowers in the Sunda Strait to honor their lost relatives. Separately, local media and colleagues organized joint prayers for missing journalists, including photojournalist Firdaus Wajidi, according to ANTARA News and ANTARA Foto.
According to ANTARA News, a Russian envoy expressed formal sympathy regarding the disappearance of the ANTARA photojournalist covering the disaster zone.
Related reading