Ferry between Bali and Lombok catches fire – search for missing

Rescue operation under difficult conditions

Heri Wiyanto, a spokesman for the Indonesian rescue authorities in the region, said that search and recovery operations were in full swing. The emergency services coordinated with the coast guard as well as with civilian ships that were traveling in the busy strait between Bali and Lombok. Wiyanto described a complex situation in an area with strong currents.

The Lombok Strait is one of the busiest sea routes in Indonesia and connects the densely populated island of Java as well as Bali with the archipelago further east, stretching to Lombok and beyond. Rescue operations on the open sea are considered particularly difficult there, because currents and boat traffic can hamper the search.

It was initially unclear how the fire started. Investigators from the maritime authority wanted to examine the case as soon as the ship was recovered or secured. The exact number of passengers and crew members, as well as possible casualty figures, have also not yet been released conclusively.

Lombok Strait as a busy sea connection

The crossing over the Lombok Strait is one of the most important ferry connections in the Indonesian island nation. Padang Bai is a well-known departure port for travelers who want to switch between Bali and Lombok without taking a domestic flight. Lembar on Lombok is the usual final stop on this route.

At the time the fire broke out, the region had early morning daylight, which initially improved visibility conditions for the rescue teams. In Indonesia, ferry and boat accidents keep recurring, which is attributed, among other things, to the high volume of passengers, partly aging fleets, and difficult weather conditions.

Neighboring countries such as Australia and Singapore, with which Indonesia regularly maintains search and rescue agreements, were informed according to the authorities. Regional authorities on Bali and Lombok also deployed personnel and boats to provide medical care for the injured and to support relatives.

Contact points and international response

The Indonesian authorities set up contact points for relatives in the ports of Padang Bai and Lembar. Family members arrived over the course of the morning to wait for information on missing travelers.

According to initial findings, several injured people were taken to hospitals on Bali. How many passengers are still missing remained the subject of the ongoing rescue operations at midday. The authorities announced further official information for the coming hours.

Indonesia's national disaster management agency took over the overall coordination of the operation. The police and navy also took part, while relatives informed the relevant consulates.

The Indonesian presidential palace said it was monitoring developments closely and had pledged support to the families of those affected. A government spokesperson expressed condolences to the relatives and announced aid measures.