Indonesian rescuers are searching for a missing boat carrying eight people

Authorities in Indonesia launched a search operation on Tuesday for a boat with eight people on board after the vessel disappeared off the coast of Banten province. Among the passengers are five journalists documenting eruptions of the Anak Krakatau volcano, two crew members, and a guide. The boat departed Monday afternoon from a port located approximately 120 kilometers west of Jakarta. One of the journalists sent a colleague the vessel’s position at around 3:00 p.m. local time, but has not been contacted since. The boat’s owner has received no information from the crew. The operation involves rescuers, river and air police, as well as the company that owns the vessel. The search was complicated by high waves and reduced visibility and was suspended on Tuesday, with efforts to resume Wednesday morning. Antara news agency confirmed that its photographer, Muhammad Bagus Khoirunas, was on board. The journalists intended to photograph and film the eruptions of Anak Krakatau volcano, which led to the suspension of air traffic at several airports. Flights from Jakarta International Airport resumed on Tuesday. Maritime accidents are frequent in Indonesia due to difficult weather conditions and poor compliance with safety regulations.