JAKARTA: (Bernama-Anadolu) Two crew members were killed after a vessel carrying chemicals and heavy equipment caught fire off Indonesia’s southeast Sulawesi province, Anadolu Ajansi reported, citing local media on Wednesday (Sept 2).
The KM Legenda Nusantara 99 caught fire in waters between the Selayar and Kabaena islands in Bombana regency early Tuesday while sailing from Jakarta to Morowali in Central Sulawesi, according to local news outlet Radar Kendari.
The vessel was carrying 13 people when the fire broke out at around 1am local time (1700GMT Monday).
The Kendari Search and Rescue Office, or Basarnas, said the blaze was believed to have been triggered by a chemical leak aboard the vessel, which also exposed several crew members to toxic fumes.
All 13 people aboard were initially evacuated by the nearby KM KBR Benua Dua before search and rescue personnel carried out a medical evacuation.
Yudi Bagus, 22, died while being transported for medical treatment, while second officer John Petro, 42, was also confirmed dead.
The vessel’s captain, Sahriar, 42, suffered serious chemical poisoning and was taken to the LM Baharuddin Regional Hospital in Muna for treatment, according to Radar Kendari.
Basarnas personnel, maritime police, port authorities and local health workers took part in the evacuation operation.
Authorities ended the search-and-rescue operation Tuesday after all 13 people aboard the vessel had been brought ashore.
The vessel was transporting chemicals and heavy equipment to Morowali, a major industrial and nickel-processing hub in Central Sulawesi. - Bernama-Anadolu
