KMP Batumandi Catches Fire Near Merak, Hundreds Evacuated
Flames were spotted around 16.15 WIB while the ferry waited to dock; investigators are still determining the cause and casualty count.
KMP Batumandi caught fire in the waters of the Sunda Strait near Merak Port, Cilegon, Banten, on Tuesday afternoon as the vessel from Bakauheni was preparing to berth. Joint teams evacuated hundreds of passengers and crew from the fire scene. Basarnas Banten, BPBD, the Directorate of Water and Air Police of the Banten Regional Police, ASDP Indonesia Ferry, and local residents took part in the rescue. ASDP Indonesia Ferry Corporate Secretary Windy Andale said the vessel departed Bakauheni Port at around 14.52 WIB, then while waiting for its docking schedule near Pulau Merak Besar, shore personnel saw sparks around 16.15 WIB at the stern of the upper deck for small vehicles. As of Tuesday night, the number of casualties and the cause of the fire were still being recorded and investigated.