The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) confirmed that the incident was initially reported by the vessel’s captain. Authorities estimate that there were at least 250 people aboard the ship at the time of the emergency. Visual evidence, captured in video footage circulated by Indonesian media, showed large plumes of smoke and visible flames emanating from the vessel.
The footage also depicted passengers, some wearing life jackets, evacuating towards lifeboats or entering the sea. Basarnas stated that the fire was officially reported to the Surabaya rescue service at 8:24 local time. Initial data suggests that the fire itself began on the ship sometime between 6:00 a.m.
and 7:00 a.m. Subsequently, rescue teams observed that the ship was heavily engulfed in flames, with passengers gathering both on the main bridge and in the area in front of the vessel while awaiting assistance. Rescue and search operations are currently ongoing, focusing on locating any missing individuals.
Authorities continue to coordinate efforts to manage the situation following the significant maritime fire. The agency has maintained that all necessary search and rescue protocols are in place as operations continue in the area.
Topics: #fire #reported #least
