Five Journalists Missing After Speedboat Vanishes During Indonesia Volcano Coverage

Five journalists missing after speedboat disappears while covering Indonesia volcano eruption. Search expands as weather improves.

Editorial Desk

September 9, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Banten, Indonesia — A group of eight individuals, including five journalists, have gone missing at sea following a speedboat journey to document the ongoing eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, according to local authorities.

The vessel departed from the Sunda Strait on Monday afternoon, heading toward the volcanic island. The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) confirmed that contact with the boat was lost shortly after departure. The last known communication from the crew came at 6:13 PM, confirming their arrival near the volcano, as reported by the Associated Press.

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Among those missing are prominent journalists from various media outlets, including Antara photojournalist M Bagus Khoirunnas, Merdeka reporter Ari Basuki, iNews’s Yudhis, Anadolu’s Daus, and freelance journalist Donal. The search operation has been expanded to cover 271 nautical miles, with multiple vessels and drones deployed to scour the area southwest of the volcano. Rescuers continue efforts despite earlier suspensions due to rough seas and limited visibility.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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