Ferry catches fire off Indonesia; all passengers and crew evacuated
The KMP Batumandi ferry caught fire on Tuesday as it approached Merak Port in western Indonesia. Rescuers evacuated everyone on board and no deaths were reported.
A passenger ferry, the KMP Batumandi, caught fire on Tuesday, 20 October, as it neared Merak Port in Banten province, western Indonesia. Rescuers evacuated all passengers and crew members, and no deaths have been reported.
The blaze broke out as the vessel was about to dock, sending a thick plume of smoke into the air. The ferry had departed Bakauheni, at the southern tip of Sumatra, at about 2.52pm. Staff on shore noticed flames near the stern roughly two hours later.
Evacuation
The ferry operator said the evacuation was completed within an hour. One passenger described the smoke growing thicker, making it hard to breathe, while diesel was leaking from the ceiling.
Investigation
The cause of the fire is not yet known. Port authorities, the search and rescue agency and police are still handling the situation.
