High-Stakes Search Operation: SAR Deploys Thermal Drones to Locate Five Missing Journalists Near Anak Krakatau

JAKARTA – A massive multi-agency search and rescue (SAR) operation has been launched in the waters surrounding the volatile Mount Anak Krakatau following the disappearance of five journalists. The team, led by the Banten Search and Rescue Office, is navigating challenging volcanic conditions, high seas, and limited visibility to locate the group, who went missing after departing from Carita, Pandeglang, Banten, on a high-speed vessel.

As of Wednesday, September 9, 2026, the operation has entered a critical phase, with authorities pivoting toward advanced aerial technology to overcome the hazardous environment created by the active volcano.

The Chronology of the Disappearance and Initial Response

The incident began when the five journalists, whose identities have not yet been released to the public, set sail from the coastal area of Carita. Their objective was to document the ongoing seismic and volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau. However, contact with the vessel was lost shortly after they entered the vicinity of the volcano.

Following reports of the lost contact, the Banten SAR Office immediately mobilized. By Tuesday evening, September 8, the search efforts were already underway, spearheaded by the KN SAR Tetuka. The vessel combed the waters until approximately 10:00 PM local time. However, the search had to be temporarily suspended due to deteriorating maritime conditions.

"The sea conditions were quite unfriendly, and visibility was severely limited," stated Rizky Dwianto, the SAR Operation Coordinator. "We made the difficult decision to dock the vessel to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our personnel."

As of Wednesday morning, the mission resumed with renewed intensity at 7:00 AM, focusing on high-tech aerial surveillance to circumvent the obstacles posed by the volcano’s emissions.

Strategic Deployment of Thermal Technology

One of the most significant challenges facing the rescue teams is the persistent presence of volcanic ash. According to meteorological reports and on-site observations, the ash cloud from Anak Krakatau currently renders traditional aerial search methods—such as manned helicopter flights—too risky. The fine particulate matter threatens engine performance and pilot visibility, making standard aviation unsafe.

To overcome this, the Banten SAR team has integrated thermal drone technology into the KN SAR Tetuka. These drones, which detect heat signatures rather than relying on visual light, are considered the most viable tool for locating individuals in the vast, darkened, and ash-covered waters of the Sunda Strait.

"We have equipped the KN SAR Tetuka with two thermal drones," explained Rizky. "Once we are in the vicinity of Mount Anak Krakatau, we will deploy these drones. They allow us to conduct a search from the air despite the difficult atmospheric conditions, providing us with a thermal map that can highlight the presence of human beings or the heat signature of a small vessel, even in low-visibility scenarios."

A Multi-Agency Collaborative Effort

The search operation is characterized by an unprecedented level of inter-agency cooperation. The scale of the mission reflects the gravity of the situation and the logistical complexity of operating near an active volcano.

The rescue fleet currently includes:

• KN SAR Tetuka: The primary command vessel from Basarnas Banten.
• RIB 02 Banten: A Rigid Inflatable Boat utilized for rapid response.
• RIB Lampung: A specialized vessel provided by Basarnas Lampung.
• KAL Anyer: A patrol vessel deployed by the Banten Naval Base (Lanal).
• Ground Support: A dedicated ambulance unit from FBN Banten to provide immediate medical attention upon recovery.

The human element of the search is equally robust. According to data from the Banten SAR Command Post, the operation involves 16 distinct agencies and community groups. The total personnel count exceeds 100 individuals, including specialized units from the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the Indonesian Navy (TNI-AL), and local community volunteers.

Notable contributors include:

• Search and Rescue Specialists: Teams from the Banten SAR Office, USS Pandeglang, and the crew of the KN SAR Tetuka.
• Law Enforcement: Personnel from the Carita Police Station (Polsek), Ditpolairud Polda Banten, and Ditpolairud Mabes Sanjaya.
• Community and Local Experts: The Balawista (Lifeguard association) has provided 50 members to the operation, while local fishermen and the village head of Sukajadi are providing critical indigenous knowledge of the currents and hidden islets in the region.

Investigation of Potential Locations

While the primary search area remains the waters surrounding Mount Anak Krakatau, the team is casting a wider net to account for the possibility that the journalists’ vessel drifted or sought shelter due to the rough seas.

"We are coordinating with all relevant parties regarding the possibility that the vessel sought shelter on small, unmonitored islands or remote piers," Rizky noted.

Rumors have circulated regarding the presence of the journalists on Pulau Sebesi, an island located near the volcano. However, the SAR team has clarified that these reports are currently unverified. "Information regarding their potential presence on Pulau Sebesi is still in the process of being cross-checked. We cannot confirm it at this time," he added.

The integration of local fishermen into the search grid is a strategic move, as these individuals possess a deep understanding of the maritime topography, including shallow reefs and hidden coves that may not appear on standard nautical charts.

Implications and Safety Concerns

The disappearance of the journalists highlights the inherent dangers of documenting Mount Anak Krakatau, one of the most active and unpredictable volcanoes in the world. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by media professionals who operate in hazardous zones.

From an operational standpoint, the incident underscores the critical importance of preparedness in disaster-prone regions. The decision to suspend the search on Tuesday night highlights the evolution of SAR protocols, which now prioritize the safety of rescuers over the pressure for immediate results. By waiting for better conditions, the team ensured that the rescue assets remained operational for the long-term search rather than risking a secondary incident in the dark.

Furthermore, the deployment of thermal drones marks a shift in how SAR operations are conducted in Indonesia. As volcanic activity often creates "blind spots" due to ash and sulfur dioxide gas, thermal imagery provides a necessary technological buffer. This approach is likely to become a standard operating procedure for future emergencies in the Sunda Strait.

Looking Ahead

As of Wednesday afternoon, the search continues. The families of the missing journalists, along with the national media community, are waiting for updates from the command post in Banten.

The success of the mission hinges on the interplay between the thermal drones’ capability to pierce through the volcanic haze and the human intelligence provided by local maritime experts. For the Banten SAR team, the priority remains clear: to bring the missing journalists home safely.

While the conditions remain challenging, the high level of coordination between 16 agencies—ranging from military naval assets to local community volunteers—provides the best possible chance for a successful recovery. The command post remains in a state of high alert, with all assets classified as "ready to go" for immediate deployment as the search grid continues to expand toward the outer islands of the Sunda Strait.

The public is urged to remain patient and rely on official reports from the Banten SAR Office, as speculation regarding the location of the missing journalists can often complicate rescue efforts and create unnecessary distress for the families involved. The operation will continue until all avenues have been exhausted.