World

Search Continues for Eight Missing Near Erupting Anak Krakatau Volcano in Indonesia

By AP

Indonesian search and rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate eight people who disappeared at sea while traveling toward Anak Krakatau volcano to cover its recent eruption, officials said Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

The group, which included five photojournalists, two crew members and a route guide, lost contact after their speedboat departed from Carita, a coastal town in Banten province, heading toward the volcanic island in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Al Amrad, chief of Banten province's Search and Rescue Office, said the boat's last communication came at 6:13 p.m. on Monday, September 7, when relatives of one journalist received a message confirming the group had reached waters near Anak Krakatau. No contact has been made since then.

The five journalists were affiliated with Indonesia's state news agency Antara, Turkiye's Anadolu Agency, and other local and international media organizations. Their last known position was approximately 18.5 kilometers (11.5 miles) from the coastline.

Rescue operations began Tuesday, but teams have so far been unable to reestablish contact with the missing group or pinpoint their location, according to Amrad.

Anak Krakatau's initial eruption phase concluded on Sunday, September 6, though the volcano has continued erupting sporadically, sending lava, ash and glowing volcanic debris from its crater. The eruption forced airport closures on September 6 and 7, disrupting nearly 2,961 flights—including 622 international routes—and impacting roughly 341,000 travelers. In response, authorities permitted schools in ash-affected areas to temporarily switch to online instruction to protect students from exposure.

Anak Krakatau, meaning