Two crew members tragically lost their lives when the KM Legenda Nusantara 99, a vessel transporting chemicals and heavy equipment, caught fire off the coast of Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning while the ship was navigating through waters between Selayar and Kabaena islands in Bombana regency. The vessel was en route from Jakarta to Morowali in Central Sulawesi, carrying 13 individuals at the time of the fire.
According to local reports from Radar Kendari, the blaze is suspected to have been ignited by a chemical leak, which also exposed several crew members to toxic fumes. The Kendari Search and Rescue Office, known as Basarnas, coordinated the evacuation efforts, with the nearby KM KBR Benua Dua assisting in the rescue of all 13 crew members.
During the medical evacuation, 22-year-old Yudi Bagus succumbed to his injuries, while second officer John Petro, 42, was also confirmed dead. The vessel’s captain, Sahriar, aged 42, suffered severe chemical poisoning and was transported to LM Baharuddin Regional Hospital in Muna for urgent treatment.
Search and rescue operations concluded on Tuesday after all personnel were safely brought ashore. The KM Legenda Nusantara 99 was transporting essential materials to Morowali, a significant industrial and nickel-processing hub in Central Sulawesi.
