All 251 passengers safely evacuated after Langkawi ferry runs aground

The Express Bahagia 98, operating a service from Langkawi, ran aground off the coast near Kuala Perlis on Monday afternoon. The incident prompted immediate evacuation procedures, with all 251 passengers aboard transferred to safety by maritime authorities.

Response teams from the Perlis Maritime office coordinated the evacuation operation, ensuring orderly transfer of passengers from the stricken vessel. The evacuation was completed without complications, and no injuries were reported among those aboard.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances that led to the grounding. Preliminary assessments of the vessel's condition are underway to determine the extent of any damage and establish the cause of the incident.

The Express Bahagia 98 operates regular ferry services across the Langkawi-Kuala Perlis route, a major transport link connecting the island to the mainland. The incident has raised questions about maritime safety protocols on the busy shipping corridor.