SAR Team Finds Helmets and Life Jackets on Fifth Day of Search for Missing Journalists in Sunda Strait
- Joint search and rescue teams on Saturday, September 12, 2026, recovered a life jacket, a helmet, and a jerrycan in the waters of Anyer, Serang Regency.
- The group went missing after departing from Pagedongan Pier in Carita, Pandeglang Regency, on Monday, September 7, 2026.
- Head of the Banten Basarnas Office Al Amrad stated that the KN SAR Tetuka recovered the items.
Joint search and rescue teams on Saturday, September 12, 2026, recovered a life jacket, a helmet, and a jerrycan in the waters of Anyer, Serang Regency. The finds came during the fifth day of operations for five missing journalists and three boat crew members from the vessel Arupadhatu 1.
Day Five Brings Equipment Recovery in Anyer Waters
The group went missing after departing from Pagedongan Pier in Carita, Pandeglang Regency, on Monday, September 7, 2026. Their mission was to cover volcanic activity at Mount Anak Krakatau.
Uncertainty Surrounds Recovered Gear Off Banten
Head of the Banten Basarnas Office Al Amrad stated that the KN SAR Tetuka recovered the items. They are currently being transported to the mainland for official identification by authorities.
However, officials have not yet confirmed whether the recovered gear belongs to the missing vessel.
Sunda Strait Fog Halts Operations
Operations faced significant disruptions on Saturday due to heavy fog across the Sunda Strait. The weather severely limited visibility for search teams.
Al Amrad confirmed that overall search results remain nil. Teams continue to coordinate efforts across multiple regional offices, including Jakarta, Lampung, and Bengkulu.
Mobile Signals Trace Crew Near Sebesi Island
In an effort to trace the missing group, the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) has been tracking mobile phone signals belonging to the journalists.
The final recorded signal placed the group’s location near Sebesi Island. Meanwhile, regional officials have mobilized public support, with Bandung Mayor urging residents to pray for the safety and swift recovery of the missing news crew.