A Pinisi ship, Carpe Diem, experienced a fire on Siaba Island, Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, on Saturday, 3rd February 2024, at 3 PM local time. The ship lacked a shipping approval letter (SPB) from the Labuan Bajo port authority. The vessel, which carried two tourists from Canada and four crew members, was en route to Komodo Island when the incident occurred.
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A video uploaded by Detik Bali captures the intense fire, with thick black smoke engulfing the ship and large flames visible. The footage, taken by an eyewitness on another vessel, reveals the severity of the burning pinisi ship. The cause of the fire is suspected to be an electrical short circuit in the ship’s engine.
All tourists and crew members were evacuated to another Labuan Bajo ship. The two Canadian tourists on board were identified as Kevin Stewart (64 years) and Raureen Elaine (60 years).
Addressing the issue of the pinisi ship lacking a sailing permit, Stephanus Risdiyanto, the Head of the Labuan Bajo Port Authority, expressed plans to collaborate with business owners to ensure stricter adherence to shipping permits.
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno also highlighted the severity of the incident, emphasizing the potential danger of ship accidents in Labuan Bajo leading to more catastrophic outcomes.
Tourists are advised to exercise caution and carefully select tours and boats in Labuan Bajo. It is crucial, according to him, for tourists to gather information about tourist boats possessing proper sailing permits.
The recent incident of the Pinisi ship catching fire is not the first occurrence in Labuan Bajo. In 2021, a similar incident occurred when the Pinisi KM Lexxy caught fire while carrying dozens of tourists.
