Ferry fire near Bali results in one fatality and 172 rescued

A ferry traveling from Padang Bai port in Bali to Lembar port on Lombok caught fire in rough seas on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, resulting in one death and 172 people rescued. The Putri Yasmin ferry was en route to Lembar port in West Nusa Tenggara province when the fire started around 4:15 a.m. The Mataram Search and Rescue Office received an emergency report almost 30 minutes later and deployed personnel and rescue vessels. Among the 172 people evacuated were two Australian tourists and the body of a 19-year-old Indonesian girl was recovered. Initial reports based on the ship's manifest indicated 131 people, including 17 crew members, were on board, but officials later stated more people were present. The ferry was also transporting 44 vehicles and 53 motorcycles. At least two injured passengers were taken to a nearby hospital. Muhammad Hariyadi, head of the Mataram Search and Rescue Office, emphasized the priority of passenger and crew safety. Syamsurizal, head of the Lembar Port Authority, confirmed the ongoing response operation to account for all victims.