A passenger ferry caught fire at the rear while docking in Indonesia. Fortunately, officials evacuated passengers and crew in time, preventing any casualties. Authorities are currently investigating the cause.
A passenger ferry fire occurred in Indonesia last Tuesday as the vessel approached Merak Port in Banten Province on Java Island. Officials managed to safely evacuate all passengers and crew with no reports of missing persons according to available information.
Windi Andale, spokesperson for PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, the state-owned ferry operator, revealed that the ferry named KMP Batumandi departed Bakauheni Port in Lampung Province at the southern tip of Sumatra Island at approximately 14:52 local time.
About two hours after departure, as the ferry neared Pier No. 6 at Merak Port in Cilegon City, Banten Province, shore personnel spotted flames at the ship’s stern, prompting emergency actions to assist those aboard promptly.
The company spokesperson said the evacuation of all passengers and crew was completed within less than an hour, with participation from port authorities, Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency, and police. The exact cause of the fire has not been disclosed yet. The ferry operator is coordinating with port authorities and related agencies to support fact-finding and investigate the fire’s origin further.
Source:AP
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