Joint SAR team deployed for missing journalists

South Lampung (ANTARA) - A joint search and rescue (SAR) team is combing the waters of the Sunda Strait in Lampung Province, from Sebesi Island to the Krakatau area, to search for five journalists and speedboat crew members who have been reported missing since September 7.

"Today, we are conducting a search from Sebesi waters to Krakatau," the Head of the Bakauheni SAR Post, Rezie Kuswara, said on Wednesday.

During the operation, the team is also searching the waters around Krakatau Besar and Krakatau Kecil islands.

Kuswara added that officers are also monitoring Sertung Island for any signs of the missing victims or the vessel.

"However, today's search results have yielded no results," he noted.

The SAR team continues to monitor the waters and Mount Anak Krakatau area throughout the search operation, given the volcano's ongoing volcanic activity.

Based on the team's monitoring results, Kuswara said that Mount Anak Krakatau is still erupting, but at a relatively low intensity.

Furthermore, the visible plume of smoke and volcanic ash around Mount Anak Krakatau has begun to diminish compared to previous levels, he continued.

The joint SAR team will continue searching several areas considered potential locations of the missing vessel or victims while prioritizing personnel safety amid ongoing volcanic activity from Mount Anak Krakatau.