All passengers evacuated as ferry catches fire near Indonesian port

A fire broke out aboard the KMP Batumandi as the passenger ferry neared Merak Port in Banten Province on Tuesday afternoon. Emergency response teams were quickly mobilized to assist with the evacuation of everyone on board the vessel.

Authorities confirmed that all passengers and crew members were rescued without reported casualties. The swift response by port authorities and emergency services prevented the situation from escalating into a more serious incident.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Merak Port, located at the western tip of Java Island, is a major transit hub connecting to the Sumatra region. Incidents involving commercial vessels in Indonesian waters have prompted renewed focus on maritime safety protocols in recent years.

The vessel's status and extent of damage sustained in the fire have not yet been detailed by port authorities.