ASDP Addresses Engine Explosion on Aceh Hebat Ferry, 15 Injured

PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) has spoken out regarding the explosion and fire that occurred in the engine room of the KMP Aceh Hebat 2 while the vessel was docked at Ulee Lheue Port in Banda Aceh, Aceh, on Friday (12/6). General Manager of ASDP Banda Aceh Branch, Andri Setiawan, stated that the incident took place around 11:13 AM Western Indonesia Time on Friday. The explosion happened after the ship had completed loading and unloading from Balohan Port in Sabang. According to initial reports, Andri said the incident began with a burst in the hydraulic system of the automatic watertight door located in the ship’s engine room. The incident injured crew members who were inside. ‘The incident is suspected to have started from a burst in the hydraulic system of the automatic watertight door in the ship’s engine room,’ Andri said in his statement. He noted that the quick response of the crew successfully brought the fire under control within approximately three to four minutes, preventing it from spreading to other areas of the vessel. As a result of the incident, 15 people suffered burns and were evacuated to Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital in Banda Aceh for medical treatment. ‘Around 15 people who sustained burns have been evacuated to the hospital. ASDP is also continuing to provide assistance and coordinate with relevant parties to monitor the condition of the victims,’ he said. The company is currently coordinating with relevant agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and examination to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion and fire. The majority of the burn victims are cadets from the Malahayati Maritime Polytechnic who were undergoing practical training on board the ship. The burns suffered by the cadets range from minor to severe.