Search for missing journalists expands north of Mt Anak Krakatau

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2 hours ago

Pandeglang, Banten (ANTARA) – Banten Search and Rescue Office said Thursday it would expand the search for missing journalists in the Sunda Strait, Pandeglang District, by sweeping northward around Mount Anak Krakatau.

Banten SAR Chief Al Amrad said the southern search area had been fully covered to a radius of about 20 nautical miles from Mount Anak Krakatau.

However, the joint SAR team planned to expand the search northward while remaining near Mount Anak Krakatau, based on calculations of currents, wave movements and wind direction.

“Tomorrow, we may expand to the northern side based on calculations of currents, wave movements and wind,” he said.

Meanwhile, the agency will consider adding personnel and vessels following an evaluation conducted Wednesday (September 9). The Indonesian Navy will continue deploying large vessels to support the search while anchoring nearby.

“The ongoing operation is focused on searching, as the conditions do not allow direct rescue and evacuation,” he said.

Regarding Mount Anak Krakatau’s ongoing volcanic activity and the three-kilometer exclusion zone recommended by PVMBG, the agency is coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure safety amid strong currents.

“Field observations show winds and waves becoming stronger toward midday and afternoon. Wave heights in the waters today ranged from one to two meters,” Al Amrad said.