Fire broke out on the Indonesian tanker Elisabet Satu around 3 am local time on August 7, resulting in the loss of five lives and leaving 15 crew members injured.
The 2016-built products tanker, carrying 21 crewmen, was en route to West Nusa Tenggara province when the incident occurred near Gili Tepekong in Bali’s Karangasem district.
According to eyewitness accounts, an explosion occurred near the crew quarters, followed by a second blast that caused a blackout and brought the vessel to a halt. The crew promptly called for assistance, and a rescue operation was launched.
Karangasem police Chief Nengah Sadiarta reported that the fire originated in the engine room, where the five fatalities – three oilers, one machinist, and one trainee machinist – were found. Three crew members suffered severe burns, while 12 others received minor injuries. The tanker captain escaped unharmed.
Rescue efforts were hindered by high temperatures in the engine room, delaying the recovery of the deceased crew members’ bodies until 12:30 pm. The surviving crewmen were evacuated to safety around 11 am with the assistance of two tugs.
The Elisabet Satu, owned by PT Arta Samudera Line, is currently moored at Labuan Amuk anchorage. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.
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