Passengers rescued after Bali ferry catches fire

Indonesian authorities rescued over 130 people from a burning ferry near Bali on Wednesday. The fire occurred on the Putri Yasmin Ferry, which operates the Padang Bai-Lembar route connecting Bali and Lombok, a popular route for tourists. The incident happened at approximately 4:15 a.m. while the ferry was en route from Padang Bai port in Bali to Lembar port on Lombok. Muhammad Hariyadi, head of the Mataram Search and Rescue Office, confirmed that all passengers were rescued and there were no immediate reports of casualties. Rescue efforts were complicated by rough seas and waves as high as 4 meters. A nearby ferry evacuated 30 passengers, a search and rescue vessel transported 59, and a naval vessel picked up another 17. The ferry was initially reported to be carrying 114 passengers, 17 crew members, 44 vehicles, and 53 motorcycles. This is the second major ferry fire in Indonesia this month, following an incident last week off Java Island where five people died. Marine accidents are common in Indonesia, where ferries are a primary mode of transport.