A fire erupted on the MT Kristin tanker while it was transporting fuel from Pertamina off the coast of Indonesia. Three people lost their lives in the incident. Reports indicate the event occurred as the vessel was near Mataram, and the crew included a total of 17 individuals. Most crew members were safely evacuated by local fishing boats, with responders coordinating through maritime authorities and nearby vessels.
Description from onshore observers notes a loud explosion emanating from the ship, followed by thick, dark smoke and intense flames that lit up the horizon. Emergency services reached the scene and worked to control the blaze while ensuring crew safety and environmental safeguards. The tanker was carrying a sizable quantity of fuel, with estimates indicating about 5,900 kilograms slated for distribution later at a Pertamina facility. Investigations and salvage operations were expected to determine the fuel’s disposition and any potential spill risk.
In a separate incident,On January 17 a separate explosion occurred during maintenance work on the ship Smooth Sea 22 at a shipyard in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand. The blast happened during repair activities and resulted in eight shipyard workers reported missing, prompting search and rescue operations and ongoing inquiries by local authorities. This event highlighted the dangers associated with repair work in port facilities and the importance of stringent safety protocols to protect workers during maritime maintenance.