A passenger ferry, KMP Batumandi, caught fire while approaching Merak Port in Banten on Tuesday afternoon, leading to a chaotic evacuation of the vessel’s occupants. Thick black smoke erupted from the lower deck, where vehicles were being transported, prompting passengers to seek safety. Fortunately, all aboard were successfully evacuated, with nearby vessels assisting in the rescue efforts.
Witnesses described the scene of panic as passengers rushed to find life jackets and lifeboats, while some even leaped into the water as the flames spread. The fire was first reported around 4:15 p.m., shortly after the ferry departed from Bakauheni Port. Initial investigations suggested the blaze may have originated in the engine room, but the exact cause remains undetermined. Firefighters continued to battle the flames well into the evening.
This incident is part of a troubling trend of maritime accidents in Indonesia, with several serious incidents occurring in recent months. Notably, KMP Virgo Transport 8 capsized in the Java Sea in September, resulting in numerous casualties. Other vessels have also faced similar fates, raising concerns about safety standards in the region’s busy maritime routes.
