Indonesian authorities continued their search on Wednesday for a missing speedboat carrying eight people, including five journalists, tasked with documenting an eruption at Mount Anak Krakatau. The boat disappeared shortly after departing from a location west of Jakarta on Monday afternoon, and contact with the crew was lost soon thereafter.

The group consisted of five Indonesian journalists, two boat crew members, and a guide. Their assignment was to capture photos and videos of the volcanic activity at Anak Krakatau, which has been erupting in recent days, disrupting air travel at multiple airports and covering cities such as Jakarta with volcanic ash.

The search and rescue operation, led by the Basarnas national agency, resumed on Wednesday following a pause Tuesday caused by hazardous weather conditions including high waves and low visibility. Officials have combed an area exceeding 270 nautical miles, covering waters and islands around the volcano. The effort involves dozens of police officers, soldiers, fishermen, and volunteers, with the deployment of high-speed vessels, inflatable boats, and thermal drones to aid in the search.

Basarnas local head Al Amrad acknowledged that the search had yet to yield any signs of the missing boat or its occupants. He emphasized that the operation had been suspended for the day and would recommence on Thursday, with safety considerations paramount due to ongoing volcanic ash emissions. “The search will continue to be carried out according to conditions on the ground,” he said.

Rescuers have proceeded with caution amid continued volcanic activity, which has complicated efforts and posed additional risks. The operation remains active as authorities endeavor to locate the missing journalists and boat crew in the challenging environment surrounding Mount Anak Krakatau.