KMP Batumandi Burns Near Merak, 420 Passengers Evacuated

KMP Batumandi caught fire as it approached Dermaga VI at Pelabuhan Merak, Cilegon, Banten, on Tuesday afternoon, and all 420 passengers and crew were evacuated safely. The Bakauheni-Merak vessel departed at 14.52 WIB and was reported on fire around 16.15-16.34 WIB, when it was in the ferry approach channel, about 700 meters before berthing. ASDP said the flames were first seen at the stern on the upper deck for small vehicles, while an initial report to VTS Merak said the fire was suspected to have started in the engine room. The evacuation was assisted by KMP Royce 1, tugboats, Basarnas, KSOP Kelas I Banten, Bea Cukai and police. Polda Banten later opened a lost-and-found post at Dermaga 6 for passengers who lost belongings or documents. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.