A tragic incident occurred on March 13, 2025, when a tanker named Ronggolawe 09 exploded and caught fire during an illegal fuel transfer operation near Lamongan, Indonesia. The tanker was transferring 25 tons of high-speed diesel fuel to another vessel, Rosalyn 08, without official approval. The explosion resulted in a fire that engulfed both ships, forcing all crew members to jump into the water to escape the raging flames. Authorities from the police and air management agencies in East Java, as well as local police, were dispatched to manage the situation. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident and search for missing crew members.
Despite efforts to extinguish the fire, significant damage was sustained by the tanker, which had to be towed to a nearby beach for repairs. Of the 11 crew members on board during the incident, three tragically lost their lives. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with illegal fuel operations at sea. The situation remains under investigation, with authorities working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the tragedy.
The Jakarta Post and ship trackers have provided updates on the incident, shedding light on the severity of the damage and the ongoing search for missing crew members. This event highlights the risks faced by seafarers engaged in illicit activities at sea and underscores the importance of following proper safety protocols and regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The impact of the fire on the ships and crew members serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of engaging in illegal fuel transfers on the high seas.
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