Ferry carrying 131 people catches fire in holiday paradise

The ferry "Putri Yasmin" caught fire on Wednesday morning while sailing from the small port town of Padang Bai to Lembar on a neighboring island. The incident occurred in the Lombok Strait, prompting a large-scale rescue operation.

According to Heri Wiyanto, head of the port administration, the ferry was carrying 131 people: 114 passengers and 17 crew members. Rescue services dispatched several ships and a helicopter to the scene. Passengers were provided with life jackets, and some used the ferry's lifeboats during the evacuation. Television footage showed people being evacuated from the vessel.

Rescuers reported that strong winds, thick smoke, and high waves complicated the rescue efforts. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Local media suggested that a truck on board might have ignited, but this has not been officially confirmed. A representative from the Indonesian Navy unit in Lombok stated that the ferry lost power, ran aground, and became immobile.

The Padang Bai-Lembar route connects the islands of Bali and Lombok, serving tourists traveling between these popular destinations. Ferry accidents are not uncommon in the Indonesian archipelago, often resulting in fatalities.