Indonesian rescue teams resumed their search Wednesday for a missing speedboat carrying eight people, including five journalists who had gone to cover a volcanic eruption. The information was confirmed by Basarnas, the country’s national search and rescue agency.
According to Basarnas, the group of eight set off by speedboat Monday afternoon from an area in western Jakarta. However, contact between the vessel’s crew and the boat’s owner was lost shortly after departure. The five Indonesian journalists had been traveling to gather photos and video of the eruption at Mount Anak Krakatau.
The eruption, which has been ongoing for several days in Indonesia, disrupted operations at several airports and blanketed Jakarta and other cities across the country in volcanic ash. The journalists were accompanied by two boat crew members and a guide. A search operation for the missing group began Tuesday afternoon but was suspended a few hours later due to strong waves and poor visibility.
On Wednesday, the rescue team expanded the search area further. Basarnas said dozens of rescue workers, including police, military personnel, fishermen and volunteers, are taking part in the operation. In a statement, Basarnas said, “The joint search-and-rescue team will continue the operation, making maximum use of the necessary personnel, equipment and other resources.”
According to the rescue agency, one of the missing journalists contacted a colleague around 3 p.m. Monday to share their location. There has been no word from them since.