Jakarta, ThedailyID — Banten SAR will not reopen the search for five journalists and three crew members who went missing in the Sunda Strait.
Banten SAR Office Chief Al Amrad announced the decision on Wednesday, September 23. The statement followed the identification of a crew member found on Enggano Island, Bengkulu.
The victim, identified as Surakman, 60, was one of the crew members aboard the vessel carrying the journalist group.
Amrad said SAR rules allow an initial seven-day search operation. The team then extended the operation by another three days.
“Under the rules, our search operation runs for seven days. During those seven days, we found a body on September 12,” Amrad said, as reported Wednesday, September 23.
Authorities later extended the search until September 17. However, rescuers found no further signs of the missing passengers.
“After those three days, there were no signs of the victims,” Amrad said during a press conference.
Instead of reopening the operation, authorities have issued electronic broadcasts and maritime notices to vessels operating in the area.
The information also involves Vessel Traffic Services, coastal radio stations, fishermen, and residents along the coast. Authorities have also shared the information with transportation vessels passing near the incident area.
The large-scale SAR operation officially ended on September 17. The five journalists had boarded the Arupadhatu 1 to cover the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.
The vessel lost contact after leaving a pier in Carita, Pandeglang, on September 7. Authorities conducted a 10-day search around the Sunda Strait.
During the search, rescuers found no immediate evidence pointing to the location of the vessel or its passengers. On September 12, however, authorities found a body near Enggano Island in Bengkulu.
Authorities then examined the body to determine whether it belonged to someone from the missing group.
The identification process later confirmed the victim as Surakman, one of the crew members aboard the vessel.
Despite that discovery, authorities have not found the other missing members of the group. Banten SAR said it will continue sharing information with vessels and communities in areas surrounding the incident.
