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Mataram: Rescue crews rushed to a passenger ferry that caught fire in the waters off Lombok on Wednesday, evacuating passengers and staff as thick smoke engulfed the ship. The fire broke out early in the morning while the ferry was going from Padangbai, Bali, to Lembar, Lombok.
The ferry, KM Putri Yasmin, was transporting passengers, crew, and vehicles. Navy ships, rescue vessels, and other ferries joined the operation, and individuals were evacuated aboard several adjacent vessels. According to initial reports, at least 114 passengers were on board, but authorities were still reviewing the passenger list as rescue operations continued. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The incident occurred just after another ship caught fire off Indonesia's Madura Island. The vessel was carrying 271 people, with five deaths recorded and dozens initially missing, raising new questions about safety standards on Indonesia's vital ferry routes.
