Indonesia ferry fire forces evacuation of 420 passengers near Merak Port
Key Takeaways
- Thick black smoke rises from the KMP Batumandi while crossing the Sunda Strait towards Merak Port.
- Rescue teams, police and fishermen use small boats to bring passengers and crew members ashore.
- Some passengers receive medical treatment as authorities investigate the cause of the fire.
Thick black smoke rises from the KMP Batumandi as rescue teams and local fishermen evacuate passengers from the burning vessel in the Sunda Strait.
Hundreds of passengers were rescued from a ferry after a fire broke out aboard the KMP Batumandi as it approached Indonesia's Merak Port on Tuesday.
The vessel was crossing the Sunda Strait from Bakauheni Port in Lampung when smoke and sparks were spotted at approximately 4:15 pm local time.
Rescue teams, police officers and local fishermen responded to the emergency, using several small boats to transport passengers and crew members to safety.
Thick black smoke was seen rising from the ferry, while evacuated passengers gathered inside the Merak Port terminal.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Six countries account for three-quarters of Europe’s unicorn startups
Banten Search and Rescue Agency official Rizky Dwianto confirmed that the evacuation had been completed.
“According to the information we have received, all passengers have been successfully evacuated,” he said.
“At present, the joint response team is focusing on extinguishing the fire aboard the KM Batu Mandi,” he added.
According to Banten Regional Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Maruli Ahiles Hutapea, the ferry was carrying 420 passengers, including 393 travelling by vehicle and another 27 on foot.
Some passengers sustained injuries and were taken to medical facilities for treatment.
“Passengers who sustained injuries have been evacuated to Merak Community Health Centre and Krakatau Medika Hospital. Other passengers are currently being accommodated at Pier 6,” he said.
The KMP Batumandi, operated by state-owned PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry, had departed Bakauheni Port at 2:52 pm before the fire was detected as it approached Merak.
The blaze is suspected to have originated near the stern of the vessel, on an upper deck designated for smaller vehicles.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Gold rush spreads ebola - Doctor warns about movement of Ituri miners in eastern DRC
Passengers and crew members were brought ashore at different docking points as emergency teams continued efforts to extinguish the fire.
Authorities have launched an investigation to establish what caused the blaze and determine the extent of the damage.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
