Search Expanded for Missing Journalists Near Mount Anak Krakatau

A joint search and rescue operation has resumed and expanded to find a speedboat carrying eight people, including five journalists, that disappeared near Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait. The group departed from the Banten province on Monday, September 7, 2026, to document the recent eruption of the volcano. Contact was lost on Monday afternoon, with the last communication recorded shortly after 3:00 p.m. local time.

The search is being led by Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency, Basarnas, with support from the military, police, fishermen, and volunteers. The operation has expanded to cover approximately 271 nautical miles, utilizing six vessels, inflatable boats, and thermal drones. The missing individuals include journalists from the ANTARA news agency, Anadolu, iNews, and Merdeka, as well as a freelance journalist, a guide, and two crew members.

Reports on the conditions of the search differ. A center-left source reports that weather conditions are currently favorable and safe for sea sweeps, citing data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency. Conversely, a center-right source notes that the search was hindered by high waves and volcanic ash, which prevented the use of helicopters and aircraft.

Mount Anak Krakatau remains on a high alert level due to ongoing activity. The recent eruption caused significant disruption to regional air travel, affecting over 170,000 passengers and blanketing cities including Jakarta in ash.