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Rescue teams saved 172 people and recovered the body of a passenger after a ferry caught fire amid rough seas near Bali, Indonesia, on Wednesday, officials reported.
The blaze erupted around 4:15 a.m. aboard the Putri Yasmin ferry while it was traveling from Padang Bai port in Bali to Lembar port on Lombok Island, located in West Nusa Tenggara province, according to the Mataram Search and Rescue Office.
Authorities received an emergency alert about 30 minutes later and promptly dispatched rescue personnel and vessels to the scene. Muhammad Hariyadi, head of the Mataram Search and Rescue Office, emphasized that ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew was their highest priority.
Initial records listed 131 people on board, including 17 crew members, but officials later confirmed that the actual number of passengers was higher-a common occurrence in Indonesia where passenger counts often exceed the manifest. The ferry was also carrying 44 vehicles and 53 motorcycles.
The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) reported that among those rescued were two Australian tourists, and sadly, the body of a 19-year-old Indonesian woman was recovered.
Syamsurizal, head of Lembar Port Authority, said at least two injured passengers were transported to a nearby hospital. He added that rescue operations continue as authorities work to account for everyone involved.
This incident comes less than two weeks after another ferry, the Mutiara Sentosa 2, caught fire off the coast of Java, resulting in at least five fatalities.