Thanks to Swift Response, All Passengers Survive Latest SE Asian Ferry Fire
On Tuesday, a fire broke out on another Southeast Asian ferry, this time at the port of Merak, Indonesia.
Yesterday afternoon at about 1600 hours, the ferry KMP Batumandi was arriving from Bakauheni, Lampung and entering the channel at Merak with 420 people on board. Smoke began to come from the stern, and passengers reported a small explosion a few minutes later, followed by a fire.
Some passengers escaped the flames by lowering themselves away on ropes, clambering over rails or jumping over the side - many without waiting to find a life jacket. Dozens of fishing vessels raced to assist in a spontaneous response, and were able to maneuver directly alongside within minutes to retrieve survivors. The harbor's fishermen have been credited with saving hundreds of lives.
Menegangkan???? Detik-detik evakuasi penumpang kmp batumandi di merak yang terbakar, proses evakuasi masih berlangsung saat ini. https://t.co/rZQe9Iv0pp
— pingwin (@pingwiners) October 20, 2026
"One boat can carry 10 to 14 people, depending on capacity. Some passengers are taken directly to the pier," a fisherman named Eka told Kompas. "Some of the others were relayed to large ships that had docked near the location so that the fishing boats could quickly return to pick up the remaining passengers."
Six passengers sustained injuries and three remain in intensive care. Miraculously, there were no fatalities.
The fire was fully extinguished after it burned all the way forward through the wheelhouse. Initial reports indicate signs that it may have started on an upper-level deck used for stowing smaller vehicles. Operator ASDP Indonesia Ferry says that it is awaiting the results of an official investigation by the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT).
It is the latest in a series of major ferry casualties in Southeast Asia - and it had the potential for a far more serious outcome.
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On September 9, the Philippine ferry June Aster suffered a suspected chemical-cargo fire while transiting off the coast of Palawan. Out of 128 people on board, at least 77 were killed, likely asphyxiated by toxic fumes. Eight remain missing.
On September 13, the Indonesian ferry Virgo Transport 8 capsized in bad weather in the Java Sea, sinking quickly and coming to rest upside-down on the bottom. Out of 243 people aboard, 80 have been confirmed dead and 55 remain missing, likely trapped within the wreck. Indonesian authorities say that the salvage plan involves raising the ship to recover further remains.
