Rescue Efforts after Ferry Fire near Bali

Rescue operations saved 172 individuals and retrieved the body of a passenger from a ferry that caught fire in turbulent seas Wednesday. This incident occurred near the Indonesian tourist island of Bali.

The fire ignited around 4:15 a.m. onboard the Putri Yasmin ferry, which was traveling from Padang Bai port in Bali to Lembar port on Lombok island in West Nusa Tenggara province. The search and rescue office in Mataram, the provincial capital, reported receiving an emergency call about 30 minutes later. They immediately dispatched personnel and rescue vessels to the scene.

“Our top priority is the safety of all passengers and crew members,” stated Muhammad Hariyadi, head of the Mataram Search and Rescue Office.

Initially, reports indicated the ferry was carrying 131 people, including 17 crew members, based on the manifest. However, it was later revealed that more people were onboard. It is not uncommon in Indonesia for the actual number of passengers on a vessel to differ from what is recorded. The ferry was also transporting 44 vehicles and 53 motorcycles.

The National Search and Rescue Agency, known as Basarnas, confirmed that rescuers evacuated 172 people from the burning ferry. Among the rescued were two Australian tourists. The deceased was identified as a 19-year-old Indonesian girl.

“The response operation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to account for all victims,” said Syamsurizal, head of the Lembar Port Authority.

At least two injured passengers were taken to a nearby hospital. The rescue operation remains active to ensure all individuals are accounted for.

This incident occurred less than two weeks after another ferry, Mutiara Sentosa 2, caught fire near Java, resulting in at least five fatalities.