Mataram, Indonesia: More than 100 people were rescued after a ferry caught fire in waters near the Indonesian tourist island of Bali on Wednesday, triggering a major maritime rescue operation.
The incident involving the KM Putri Yasmin is the second ferry fire reported in Indonesia within days, raising fresh concerns over passenger safety on busy sea routes.
Rescue teams rush to burning ferry
A Navy vessel and several other ships moved towards the ferry after thick smoke was seen rising from the vessel off Lombok.
Officials said a nearby ferry had already evacuated 30 passengers and taken them safely to Bali. A search and rescue agency vessel was also travelling towards Lembar port in Lombok carrying 59 rescued passengers.
More people were reportedly evacuated as rescue teams and nearby vessels responded to the emergency.
Second ferry incident in days
The latest fire comes just days after another ferry-related emergency in Indonesian waters. The repeated incidents have placed renewed attention on safety measures and emergency preparedness for the country’s extensive network of passenger ferry services.
Indonesia, an archipelago of thousands of islands, relies heavily on ferries to connect communities and major tourist destinations. Bali and Lombok are particularly busy routes because of the large number of domestic and international travellers.
Authorities continue rescue efforts
Officials and rescue personnel remained focused on accounting for all passengers and ensuring their safe evacuation. The cause of the fire was not immediately clear, and further details were expected as authorities assess the incident.
The latest emergency highlights the challenges faced by rescue agencies operating across Indonesia’s busy maritime routes, where rapid coordination between vessels can be critical during accidents.