Rescue Operation After Ferry Fire Near Bali

The Putri Yasmin ferry caught fire while traveling from Bali to Lombok in Indonesia, prompting a large rescue operation. Authorities confirmed 211 people were rescued and one passenger, a 19-year-old Indonesian woman, was found dead. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday amidst rough seas near Bali.

The ferry carried 44 vehicles and 53 motorcycles. Muhammad Hariyadi, director of the Mataram Search and Rescue Agency, emphasized that passenger and crew safety was the top priority. Rescue teams quickly mobilized after receiving an emergency call within 30 minutes. Videos from the National Search and Rescue Agency showed passengers in life jackets on a raft surrounded by choppy waters, while thick black smoke billowed from the ferry.

Initial reports suggested 131 people, including 17 crew members, were onboard according to the ship’s manifest. However, authorities later confirmed a higher number of occupants. The discrepancy between the manifest and actual passengers is not uncommon in Indonesia. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi announced a thorough investigation into the manifest discrepancy and the fire’s cause.

Syamsurizal, head of the Lembar Port Authority in Lombok, stated that survivors reported the fire started in a cargo truck before spreading across the ferry. High temperatures forced some passengers to jump into the sea. He confirmed ongoing efforts to account for all individuals involved, with two injured passengers sent to a nearby hospital. The rescue operation involved six ships, a helicopter, two inflatable boats, and two private yachts, hindered by rough seas with waves reaching up to 13 feet.

This incident follows a similar fire two weeks ago on another Indonesian ferry near Java, resulting in at least five fatalities. In Indonesia, ferries are a vital mode of transport across its 17,000 islands, although safety regulations are often poorly enforced, contributing to frequent maritime disasters.

Reporters Edna Tarigan and Andi Jatmiko contributed to the original coverage from Jakarta, Indonesia.