Photo Credit: The Maritime Executive
A major search and rescue operation was launched in Indonesia after the RoRo passenger ferry *KM Putri Yasmin* caught fire while sailing through the Lombok Strait between Bali and Lombok on August 12, 2026. The incident occurred during the early morning hours while the Indonesian-flagged vessel was traveling from Bali toward Lombok, prompting an emergency response involving multiple rescue vessels and government agencies.
The 1,790-gross-ton ferry reportedly encountered the fire at around *4:15 a.m. local time*, with a distress call issued shortly afterward. As the emergency developed, passengers were instructed to wear lifejackets and prepare for evacuation. Liferafts were deployed from the vessel, while rescue ships responded to assist passengers and crew. More than 200 emergency personnel were reportedly involved in the coordinated search and rescue operation.
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Authorities reported that *212 people were rescued*, while *one person died* following the incident. At least one other individual was reportedly taken to a hospital for medical treatment. Survivors were transported to nearby locations as rescue teams continued efforts to determine whether everyone believed to have been aboard the ferry had been safely accounted for.
The operation was complicated by a significant discrepancy involving the vessel\'s passenger manifest. Initial information reportedly listed *114 passengers and 17 crew members*, substantially fewer than the number of people eventually rescued. Indonesian authorities indicated that additional individuals may have been aboard without appearing on the submitted manifest, making it more difficult for search and rescue teams to establish the exact number of people traveling on the vessel.
Photo Credit: Reuters
The *KM Putri Yasmin* was built in Japan in 1992 and was acquired by Indonesian operator Jemla Ferry in 2011. The vessel operates under the Indonesian flag and is used to transport passengers and vehicles on domestic ferry services. Following the fire, authorities focused on completing the accounting of passengers and crew while providing assistance to those rescued from the vessel.
The cause of the fire has *not yet been officially determined*. Indonesia\'s National Transportation Safety Committee is expected to investigate the incident and examine the circumstances surrounding the outbreak of the fire. Authorities have cautioned against drawing conclusions before the investigation is completed, while search and rescue officials continue working to establish the final number of people who were aboard the ferry at the time of the incident.