Rescuers find body of first confirmed fatality from Mount Dukono eruption; believed to be Indonesian national – CNA

Indonesian rescue teams have recovered the body of at least one person following a volcanic eruption at Mount Dukono, while search operations continue for two missing Singaporean hikers.

The recovery of the first confirmed fatality, believed to be an Indonesian national, was reported on May 9, 2026. According to reporting from the BBC, the total death toll from the eruption has reached three hikers.

The eruption occurred on the island where Mount Dukono is situated, triggering a search and rescue operation involving local authorities and international coordination.

Search for Missing Singaporean Nationals

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Singapore has confirmed that two Singaporean hikers remain missing following the volcanic event. The ministry stated that seven other Singaporean nationals are scheduled to return home.

Rescue efforts are focused on locating the missing individuals in the hazardous terrain surrounding the volcano. The operation involves Indonesian search and rescue teams navigating the aftermath of the eruption.

An Indonesian guide who accompanied the group described the difficulty of the evacuation. In an account provided to The Straits Times, the guide recalled the moments during the eruption when he attempted to save the Singaporean hikers, stating I could only stand and watch as the situation unfolded.

Mount Dukono Activity

Mount Dukono is an active volcano located in the North Maluku province of Indonesia. The region is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to frequent seismic and volcanic activity.

The current eruption has resulted in fatalities and the disappearance of hikers who were exploring the volcano. Indonesian authorities are managing the recovery operation while monitoring the volcano for further activity to ensure the safety of the rescue teams.

The Guardian reported that Indonesian rescuers have retrieved the body of the first victim as they continue to scan the area for the remaining missing persons.

Coordination between the Indonesian government and the Singaporean MFA remains ongoing to facilitate the repatriation of the survivors and the search for those still missing.