Search and rescue teams in North Maluku recovered the body of a missing climber from the slopes of Mount Dukono on Saturday, marking a grim milestone in an operation to locate three individuals who vanished on the volatile peak. The victim, an Indonesian national identified only as E, was found at approximately 2:30 p.m. In one of the most hazardous zones of the volcano.
The recovery occurred roughly 50 meters from the rim of the volcano’s main crater, an area characterized by unstable terrain and frequent eruptive activity. According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the body had been buried beneath layers of volcanic sand, only becoming visible after heavy rainfall washed away the overlying debris.
While the recovery of the first victim provides a definitive location for the search, the mission remains active. Authorities believe two other climbers are still missing in the immediate vicinity, with rescuers identifying two additional sand deposits that may contain the remaining victims. Both sites are located within a three-meter radius of where the first body was discovered.
A High-Risk Recovery Operation
The operation, led by the Ternate SAR Office in coordination with the North Halmahera disaster mitigation agency, has been hampered by the extreme environmental conditions typical of Mount Dukono. The volcano is known for its near-constant activity, which creates a landscape of shifting ash and thick sand deposits that can easily swallow equipment and personnel.
Spokesman for the BNPB, Abdul Muhari, noted that the evacuation of the first victim to Tobelo Regional Hospital had to be conducted with extreme caution. The team faced a combination of fluctuating volcanic activity and the instability of the sand deposits, which posed a secondary risk of collapse or burial for the rescuers themselves.
The discovery of the body following heavy rain highlights the volatile nature of the mountain’s surface. In volcanic regions, heavy precipitation can trigger small-scale lahars or debris flows, which can both bury victims deeper or, as in this case, strip away layers of sediment to reveal what was previously hidden.
Constraints and Search Strategy
Despite the identification of two potential sites for the remaining climbers, the search was suspended on Saturday evening. Rescuers were forced to prioritize the evacuation of the first victim as weather conditions deteriorated and volcanic activity intensified, making further excavation too dangerous for the ground teams.
To ensure the search can resume precisely where it left off, the SAR team has utilized GPS coordinates to mark the two suspected burial sites. This technical approach allows the team to bypass the need for extensive re-scanning of the crater rim once they return to the site.
| Phase | Action Taken | Status/Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Search | Joint SAR deployment to Mount Dukono | Three climbers reported missing |
| Saturday, 2:30 p.m. | Recovery of victim “E” near crater rim | Body evacuated to Tobelo Hospital |
| Saturday Evening | Identification of two nearby sand deposits | GPS coordinates marked; search suspended |
| Sunday, May 10 | Planned resumption of excavation | Scheduled for weather/activity permit |
The Danger of Mount Dukono
Mount Dukono is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, frequently producing ash plumes and pyroclastic flows. Recent reports have indicated ash plumes reaching heights of 1.4 kilometers, contributing to the hazardous conditions that likely trapped the climbing party.
The BNPB has used this incident to issue a stern warning to tourists and local climbers. The agency urged the public to strictly adhere to climbing bans and remain outside the designated danger zones established by the Geological Agency. These zones are not merely suggestions but are based on real-time monitoring of seismic activity and gas emissions that can turn a routine trek into a fatal event within minutes.
The proximity of the victims to the crater rim suggests that the party may have ventured into restricted areas or been caught by a sudden change in the volcano’s behavior. The Geological Agency continues to monitor the peak to provide the SAR team with safe windows for operation.
The search and excavation efforts are scheduled to resume on Sunday, May 10, provided that volcanic activity remains within a manageable threshold and weather conditions improve. The Ternate SAR Office will provide further updates as the excavation of the marked GPS sites progresses.
If you or a loved one are affected by a search and rescue emergency in Indonesia, official updates and emergency contacts can be found via the BNPB (Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana) official portal.
Do you have information regarding safety protocols for volcanic trekking or experience with the region? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
