During the night of August 14, passenger ferry Mentawai Fast 01 (MMSI: 525200244) ran aground in the South China Sea near the mouth of the Muara Padang River in West Sumatra, Indonesia.
The ferry was sailing from Tua Pejat to Padang with 306 people on board, including 294 passengers and 12 crew members, when it encountered severe weather conditions.
Strong winds, heavy rain and rough seas affected the vessel as it approached Padang. According to preliminary information, Mentawai Fast 01 then suffered a power failure while entering the Muara Padang channel.
The vessel’s main engine stopped working, and the crew was unable to restore power. Without propulsion, the ferry began drifting under the influence of strong winds and waves before eventually running aground.
All 306 people safely evacuated
Indonesian authorities were alerted to the incident, and several agencies coordinated the emergency response.
Rescue teams successfully evacuated all 294 passengers and 12 crew members from Mentawai Fast 01 and brought them safely ashore. No injuries were reported.
Another passenger ferry, Mentawai Fast 2 (MMSI: 525300326), was expected to arrive at the scene to assist in refloating Mentawai Fast 01.
The extent of damage sustained by the grounded ferry has not yet been disclosed.
Indonesian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest that severe weather conditions, combined with the vessel’s loss of power and propulsion, may have contributed to the grounding.
