Inp.polri.go.id - Batam.  Operations at Telaga Punggur Port in Riau Islands have returned to normal after a fire broke out on the KM Mulia Nusantara ferry on Wednesday (25/12/2024), authorities reported.

Senior Superintendent Zahwani Pandra Arsyad, the spokesperson for the Riau Islands Regional Police’s  Operation Lilin Seligi 2024, confirmed that all 122 passengers, vehicles, and cargo were safely evacuated with no casualties. 

The fire, believed to have started in the engine, occurred as the ferry was docking from Tanjung Uban, Bintan, according to antaranews.com.

Emergency teams, including five fire trucks, a the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) rescue unit, and a Polda Kepri water cannon, responded to contain the fire. 

“Quick action ensured there were no injuries, and port services have resumed smoothly,” said Pandra.

Investigations are ongoing in coordination with the Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) to determine the cause. Authorities have urged stricter vessel inspections to prevent similar incidents.

Dini Kusumahati, the h]Head of the Regional Land Transport Office, noted that the fire had minimal impact on port operations due to reduced passenger volume that day. Officials advised travelers to monitor weather updates during the holiday season for safety

(mg/inp/pr/nm)