Basarnas Team Evacuates Dozens of Victims from KMP Aceh Hebat 2 Explosion

The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) team on standby aboard the SAR vessel KN Kresna 232 assisted in evacuating more than a dozen victims of an explosion on the ferry KMP Aceh Hebat 2 at Ulee Lheue Port, Banda Aceh. Captain Supriadi of KN Kresna 232 reported that the explosion and subsequent fire occurred in the engine room of the ferry, which had just arrived from a voyage from Balohan Port on Weh Island, Sabang. “The Basarnas Banda Aceh team, who are also crew members of KN Kresna 232 on standby at Ulee Lheue Port, helped with the evacuation process. The victims were taken to a hospital in Banda Aceh,” Supriadi said. The victims included approximately 14 maritime cadets who were undergoing practical training, as well as one crew member. All were evacuated to the Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital (RSUDZA) in Banda Aceh. At the scene, fire engines were seen on the roll-on/roll-off vessel, and a police forensic investigation team was also present. The explosion was heard loudly at Ulee Lheue Port. The Banda Aceh Health Quarantine Centre provided initial treatment to the victims at the port before they were transported to RSUDZA for further medical care. Evacuation to the hospital was carried out using Trans Kutaraja public buses and an ambulance from the Meuraxa Community Health Centre. The victims are currently in the Emergency Department of RSUDZA, where they are being treated by the hospital’s medical team for burns ranging from minor to severe.