A joint Search and Rescue (SAR) operation is continuing in the Sunda Strait after a speedboat carrying eight people, including five journalists, lost contact while travelling towards Mount Anak Krakatau to cover its volcanic activity.
The speedboat departed from Pagedongan Pier in Carita, Banten, at around 2.00pm on Monday, 7 September 2026. According to the Banten Search and Rescue (SAR) Office, the group later shared their location with journalists in Lampung at 2.42pm. Contact was lost at approximately 3.04pm.
The last known coordinates were recorded at 6°14’40.52″S 105°40’49.48″E. The missing journalists have been identified as Yudistiro Pranoto of iNews, Muhammad Bagus Khoirunnas of Antara, Arie Basuki of Merdeka, Daus of Anadolu Agency and freelance journalist Donal Husni. The other three people aboard the vessel are still being identified by authorities.
SAR Operation Expanded Across the Sunda Strait
The joint SAR team began searching the waters around the last known location after receiving reports that the group had lost contact. On Tuesday, 8 September, search teams swept areas extending towards Krakatau Island and Panjang Island but had not located the vessel.
Banten SAR Office Head Al Amrad said the search had produced no results by 6.15pm on Tuesday. The operation was suspended and scheduled to resume the following morning with a wider search area.
“For tomorrow’s plan, we will expand the search area, as today we studied the route from Carita to Mount Anak Krakatau,” Al Amrad said, as quoted by Liputan6.
The search involved the Banten SAR Office’s RIB 02, the KN SAR Tetuka and an RIB from the Lampung SAR Office. The KN SAR Tetuka continued operations until around 10.00pm before docking at Ciwandan Port in Cilegon.
“The execution of the operation was significantly hindered regarding effectiveness and efficiency, so we decided to dock; we are ready to resume the search tomorrow at 7.00am,” said Rizky Dwianto, Head of Operations at the Banten SAR Office.
Authorities also expanded coordination with the Banten Regional Police’s Water and Air Police Unit and the Indonesian Navy, with the KAL Anyer vessel providing additional support. Police and Basarnas have continued to coordinate the search and deploy personnel and vessels in the area.
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Reports Near Sebesi Island and Difficult Search Conditions
During the operation, the Banten SAR Office also investigated information suggesting that the missing vessel could be near Sebesi Island in Lampung. Rizky said the report was still being checked with the Lampung SAR Office.
“We are cross-checking the validity of the information because we haven’t confirmed it yet. We have coordinated with the Lampung SAR Office, and so far, the information has not been substantiated,” Rizky said.
The SAR team is also considering the possibility that the vessel could have reached a smaller island or an unmonitored pier. Authorities plan to coordinate with local fishermen and provide them with information about the missing group and vessel to assist the search.
Weather and volcanic conditions have added to the difficulties faced by rescuers. Wind speeds were reported at around 10 knots, while waves reached up to two metres and visibility was limited. Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau was also present in the area.
“As for challenges well, the wind is quite strong, and the waves are rather rough,” Rizky said.
An aerial search has also been considered, but volcanic ash around Anak Krakatau could pose a risk to aircraft. Rizky said the option would depend on conditions in the area.
“In terms of effectiveness, using aerial assets could be an alternative or an option for us. However, we observe that the situation and conditions on the ground still present obstacles,” he said, as quoted by Antara.
The joint SAR operation resumed on Wednesday, 9 September, with the search area expanded across the Sunda Strait. Police have also said they will continue supporting Basarnas and other agencies until all members of the missing group are located.
