newspop
New Delhi : A major fire broke out aboard the Putri Yasmin ferry early Wednesday while it was travelling from Padang Bai in Bali to Lembar in Lombok, triggering a large-scale rescue operation. One person has died in the incident, while 172 passengers and crew members have been rescued so far.
The fire reportedly started at around 4:15 am as the ferry was carrying 224 people, along with 44 vehicles and 53 motorcycles. Rescue operations have continued under challenging sea conditions, with waves reaching up to four metres.
Indonesian authorities launched an extensive emergency response involving navy vessels, patrol boats, rescue ships and a helicopter. Teams worked to evacuate passengers and contain the blaze as quickly as possible.
Muhammad Hariyadi, head of the Mataram Search and Rescue Office, said the safety of passengers and crew remained the authorities’ primary concern. The emergency alert was received nearly 30 minutes after the fire began, following which rescue teams were immediately deployed.
Ferries are a crucial mode of transport in Indonesia, an archipelago spread across more than 17,000 islands. However, maritime accidents involving ferries have remained a recurring concern, with safety enforcement often coming under scrutiny.
Authorities are now inspecting the vessel as survivors receive assistance. An investigation has also been launched to determine what caused the fire and establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
