Indonesia calls off search for journalists missing while covering eruption

PERDIANSYAH / AFP

Indonesian rescuers have called off a search on its 10th day for eight people missing at sea, including five journalists who were covering the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau earlier this month.

Banten governor Andra Soni, announced late on Thursday the search would be called off because rescuers have not found the missing people, adding it could be restarted if there were new leads.

Photojournalists from local and foreign media organisations, including Turkey's Anadolu Agency, had departed from Banten province on September 7 aboard a speedboat before losing contact, initially triggering the search-and-rescue operation.

Ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, situated halfway between Java and Sumatra islands, blanketed the capital Jakarta, and some surrounding areas after its initial eruption late on September 4.

The eruption led to the closure of eight airports for safety reasons, affecting more than 340,000 travellers.

Indonesia sits on the seismically active Pacific "Ring of Fire" and has 500 volcanoes, ​127 of which are active, according to its volcanology agency.

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • Starting up with Virtuzone

    10:00am - 11:00am

    Starting Up is back, with a fresh new edition in a brand-new timeslot every Tuesday from 10am-11am.

  • The Agenda

    11:00am - 1:00pm

    Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!