On the morning of 12 August, a major fire broke out aboard the Ro-Ro passenger ferry KM Putri Yasmin (IMO: 9037575) while the vessel was sailing through the Lombok Strait near Sekotong Beach in West Lombok, Indonesia.
The ferry had departed from Padangbai, Bali, and was heading to Lembar, Lombok, when a fire reportedly started in one of the vehicles carried on board. The flames spread rapidly through several decks, filling the vessel with thick toxic smoke.
Despite the crew’s efforts, the fire could not be contained. It eventually reached the engine room, causing a complete loss of electrical power and leaving the ferry disabled at sea. A distress signal was transmitted, prompting an immediate rescue response.
Several nearby vessels joined the operation. Rescue ship KN SAR Arjuna 229 evacuated 59 people, Portlink II rescued 35, patrol boat KAL Lembar evacuated 17, yacht No Comment rescued 58 people and recovered one victim, while yacht Steelhere rescued two additional survivors.
According to the latest information, 172 people survived, while one person lost their life during the incident.
Authorities later reported rescuing 173 people, creating a discrepancy with the official passenger manifest, which listed 131 people on board. Officials are now working to determine the exact number of passengers and crew, as survivors were transported to several different ports after the evacuation.
Search operations by sea and air found multiple life rafts drifting in the Lombok Strait, although none contained additional survivors. An aerial inspection also showed no crew members remaining aboard the burning vessel.
The latest reports indicate that KM Putri Yasmin remains afloat with a slight list while parts of the ferry continue to burn. Authorities have not yet announced whether the fire will be extinguished or whether the vessel will be allowed to burn out before salvage operations begin.
An official investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire.
