Ferry Fire Breaks Out Between Bali and Lombok, 131 Aboard Rescued
A fire broke out early on August 12 aboard a ferry carrying 131 people from Padang Bai, Bali, to Lembar, Lombok. At least 106 people have been rescued so far in a large-scale search and rescue operation involving the Indonesian Navy and nearby vessels.
A fire broke out around 4:15 a.m. on August 12 aboard a ferry carrying 131 people through the Lombok Strait, which connects Bali and Lombok in Indonesia. The vessel was traveling from Padang Bai Port in Bali to Lembar Port in West Nusa Tenggara, Lombok.
According to the Mataram Search and Rescue Agency, the ferry was carrying 17 crew members including the captain and 114 passengers, along with 44 vehicles and 53 motorcycles. The agency received an emergency call about 30 minutes after the fire started and immediately dispatched personnel and rescue equipment. With the help of rescue teams and nearby vessels, 106 people have been rescued so far from the burning ship.
The rescue operation has involved Indonesian Navy vessels, rescue boats, and helicopters providing aerial support, with multiple agencies and volunteers participating. The Bali-Lombok ferry route is frequently used by tourists, and further updates on the cause of the fire and the status of ferry operations are expected.
Things to Consider
If you have plans to use this ferry route, confirm the latest operational status directly with the ferry operator or port authority before traveling. Consider alternative options such as fast boats or flights in the near term. When boarding future Bali-Lombok ferries, check the location of emergency exits and life jackets, and identify muster points in case of emergency.
Source: Yahoo!γγ₯γΌγΉ