The passenger motor ferry KMP Putri Yasmin caught fire in the waters of Sekotong, West Lombok, and has drifted out into the Indian Ocean, according to Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB) Governor Lalu Muhammad Iqbal. Speaking on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Lembar Port, Iqbal stated that strong currents pushed the burning vessel away from its initial location.
Search and rescue operations remain active following the disaster. A total of 212 individuals have been safely evacuated from the vessel as of Wednesday night, with the final group of 39 survivors arriving at Lembar Port overnight. Governor Iqbal emphasized the need to evaluate the ongoing response properly and acknowledged the work of all participating search and rescue units.
Search Operations and Missing Passengers
Authorities have scheduled the search and rescue efforts to continue for the next seven days. Governor Iqbal urged any members of the public who believe their relatives were passengers aboard KMP Putri Yasmin—and who remain unaccounted for—to report immediately to the designated SAR post. Teams deployed three ships and a helicopter to assist with the initial passenger recovery operations.
Did You Know? Search and rescue teams deployed three separate ships alongside a helicopter to evacuate passengers from the burning KMP Putri Yasmin.
Official Investigation Into the Cause
The National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) has launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi confirmed that investigators arrived at Lembar Port on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, to examine the wreckage and review operational details.
Minister Purwagandhi cautioned the public and all involved parties against speculating prematurely before the official findings are released. He noted that officials are not yet ready to draw conclusions regarding what triggered the onboard fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is KMP Putri Yasmin currently located?
According to NTB Governor Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, the vessel drifted from its original location in Sekotong, West Lombok, due to ocean currents and is now located in the Indian Ocean.
How many people have been rescued from the ferry?
A total of 212 individuals have been evacuated from KMP Putri Yasmin as of Wednesday night, which includes 39 final survivors who arrived at Lembar Port.
Who is investigating the cause of the fire?
The National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) has stepped in to investigate the accident, with Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi confirming their arrival on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
What steps should families take if a relative is missing?
Governor Iqbal urged anyone whose family members were passengers on the vessel and remain missing to report immediately to the SAR post.
How long will the search and rescue operation continue?
Search and rescue operations are scheduled to run for another seven days.
What safety measures or protocols could be implemented for passenger ferries following this incident to prevent similar drift emergencies?
Keep reading