KLUNGKUNG, Bali – A routine afternoon crossing from Bali to the popular island of Nusa Penida turned into a scene of urgent evacuation on Tuesday after a passenger ferry caught fire just minutes into its journey. All 96 people on board, including 88 passengers and 8 crew members, were safely rescued in a swift maritime operation.
The incident involved the vessel The Angkal 6, which departed from The Angkal Port in Kusamba village at 4:00 PM local time, bound for Sampalan Port on Nusa Penida. Approximately 15 minutes into the voyage, fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room.
“The fire originated in the boat’s engine section due to damp and short-circuited wiring,” said Iptu I Dewa Nyoman Alit Purnawibawa, Head of Public Relations for the Klungkung Police Precinct, confirming the incident.
Upon spotting the flames, the crew immediately alerted their company’s staff on Nusa Penida. A coordinated response was launched, mobilizing a sister vessel, The Angkal 7, to the scene. All passengers and crew were successfully transferred to the rescue boat and arrived safely at their original destination, Nusa Penida, unharmed.
“The handling was done quickly by deploying Boat The Angkal 7 to evacuate the passengers,” Alit stated, praising the efficient response. The stricken ferry, captained by I Made Ngurah Adi Wijaya, was later towed back to its port of origin in Kusamba.
For the global community of travelers and expatriates in Bali, Nusa Penida is a well-known day-trip destination, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks of maritime travel, even on short, frequently traveled routes.
The successful evacuation, without injury, highlights the critical importance of trained crew, clear emergency protocols, and swift coordination—a reassuring note for the thousands who rely on similar ferry services across the Indonesian archipelago each day.