Fire Erupts on Ro/Ro Ferry Near Batam Island, Crew Safely Evacuated

A ro/ro ferry caught fire just south of Batam Island, opposite Singapore, on Wednesday. The fire started on the vessel KMP Tandemand while she was anchored and not in operation. The flames engulfed the ferry’s wheelhouse. The fire was extinguished successfully, and all 14 crew members were safely evacuated with no reported injuries.

Two Good Samaritan vessels assisted with firefighting duties, with one vessel, the KN Rantos, remaining on the scene until late evening to help with continued cooling. The ferry company manager, Hermin Welkis, mentioned ongoing coordination efforts and stated that they were still on the ship to assess the conditions.

Overall, the fire incident on the ro/ro ferry was quickly contained, and all crew members were safely evacuated. The assistance of Good Samaritan vessels, like the KN Rantos, played a crucial role in firefighting efforts. Ongoing coordination and assessment of the ship’s condition are currently in progress to ensure the safety and stability of the situation.

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