Boat Burns in Labuan Bajo

KUPANG, KOMPAS — The Maluku Explorer passenger ship caught fire on Monkey Island, still in the super-priority tourism destination area of Labuan Bajo in West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on Sunday (12/22/2024) night. The ship caught fire while under repair. There were no fatalities.

The Head of the Labuan Bajo Port Authority and Harbormaster Office, Stephanus Rudiyanto, reported on Monday (23/12/2024) that the ship caught fire during the renovation process. Several nearby ships were deployed for firefighting. The hull of the ship was not completely burned.

"The ship has never operated in Labuan Bajo. Since arriving here in July 2024, it has been undergoing renovations and repairs," he said. The preliminary suspicion is that the fire was caused by welding activities inside the ship.

When the fire occurred, there were five crew members, five ground technicians, and one of the ship's owners on board. There were no casualties in the incident. The material losses are still being calculated.

The ship fire did not affect tourism activities in Labuan Bajo, which has been designated by the government as a super-priority destination. Other tourist boats continued to come and go as usual.

Nevertheless, the incident reminds the public of several ship accidents in Labuan Bajo, including both fires and sinkings. Maritime accidents tarnish the image of local tourism.

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Stephanus appealed to ship operators and tourists to be more careful when traveling during bad weather like now. For the time being, the bad weather warning is valid until Tuesday (12/24/2024). The captains must ensure the seaworthiness of the ship and the completeness of safety equipment.

For open deck ships, it is requested to avoid routes that have the potential to be obstructed by high waves. It is also advised to seek shelter if there is a rapid change in weather in the middle of the sea. The harbor master will issue a sailing ban if weather conditions deteriorate.

Dyah Safitri Maharani, a forecaster at the Tenau Kupang Maritime Meteorological Station, reported that strong winds are blowing from the west and southwest at speeds of up to 20 knots or 37.04 kilometers per hour.

The western side of Flores Island, such as the Sape Strait and Komodo waters, are expected to be hit by medium-high waves, reaching 2.5 meters. The wave height could reach twice the forecast.

Due to bad weather, a number of people admitted to canceling their travel plans to Labuan Bajo during this year-end holiday. "In fact, we planned to take a boat from Kupang to Labuan Bajo, then to Komodo Island," said Wita Johans (30), a resident of Kupang City.

The purpose of traveling to Labuan Bajo is none other than to enjoy the natural beauty and see the Komodo dragons. Labuan Bajo is one of the favorite destinations at the end of the year. Many local and foreign tourists usually go there.

One of the iconic attractions of Labuan Bajo is the Komodo dragon, an ancient reptile that still lives today. In the world, Komodo dragons only exist in the super priority destination of Labuan Bajo.

Based on data from Komodo National Park in 2021, Komodo dragons are spread across five islands. On Komodo Island 1,728, Rinca Island 1,385, Padar Island 19, Gili Motang Island 81, and Nusa Kode Island 90. The total is 3,303.

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