Indonesian ferry catches fire off Java coast, all 460 evacuated safely
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 00:32 · Archive
A passenger ferry carrying 460 people caught fire off Indonesia's Java coast on Tuesday, but all aboard were safely evacuated.
The passenger ferry KMP Batumandi caught fire off Indonesia's Java coast on Tuesday afternoon as it approached the Port of Merak in Banten province. Smoke was spotted near the stern of the vessel, and video circulating online showed large flames engulfing the ferry. Rescue teams and local fishing boats rushed to the scene and conducted an emergency evacuation.
All 420 passengers and 40 crew members were safely evacuated from the vessel as fire crews battled to contain the blaze. Eleven people were taken to a local hospital in nearby Cilegon for medical treatment, while the remaining passengers were taken to port for further assessment. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The incident comes amid concerns about Indonesia's maritime safety record. Last month a passenger ferry sank in the Java sea while travelling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin, killing 80 of the 243 people on board, with 55 still missing. In August a ferry caught fire off Madura Island, killing five people with 41 passengers left missing. In July a passenger ferry sank in the Bali Strait with 19 dead and 17 still reported missing from the 65 people on board.
How it is being reported
- Indonesian passenger ferry erupts in flames as 460 people forced to fleeVision of the incident circulating online shows large flames engulfing the vessel.The West Australian · 21 Oct, 00:12
- Indonesian passenger ferry erupts in flames as 460 people forced to fleeVision of the incident circulating online shows large flames engulfing the vessel.Perth Now · 21 Oct, 00:10
In this story: KMP Batumandi · Port of Merak · Banten · Java · Indonesia · Cilegon
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem
Comments (0)