Maritime Student Injured in Aceh Hebat 2 Ferry Explosion Passes Away
A cadet from the Malahayati Maritime Polytechnic, Fahri Herdi Eko (19), who was injured in the engine explosion of the KMP Aceh Hebat 2 ferry, has died after receiving treatment at Zainoel Abidin Regional General Hospital in Banda Aceh, Aceh. “The patient passed away in the presence of his family and nursing staff in ICU 1 last night (20/6) at around 10.50 p.m. Western Indonesia Time,” said Rahmadi, Head of Public Relations at Zainoel Abidin Hospital, in Banda Aceh on Sunday (21/6), as quoted by Antara.
The explosion occurred in the engine room of the KMP Aceh Hebat 2 ferry, which serves the Banda Aceh–Sabang route, while it was docked at Ulee Lheue Port in Banda Aceh on Friday (12/6). The incident caused burn injuries to 15 people, including 14 students from the Malahayati Maritime Polytechnic and one crew member of the KMP Aceh Hebat 2. All received medical treatment at Zainoel Abidin Hospital.
Rahmadi said the deceased experienced a deterioration in his condition around 9.00 p.m., prompting further examination, but his life could not be saved. He added that after the obligatory rites were performed in the mortuary and funeral prayers were held at the Raudhatul Jannah Mosque at Zainoel Abidin Hospital, the body was immediately taken home. “At 1.50 a.m. Western Indonesia Time, the body was transported home to Medan, North Sumatra, by ambulance. May all his good deeds be accepted and may he be granted the best place in the sight of Allah SWT,” Rahmadi said.
Meanwhile, state-owned ferry company PT ASDP Indonesia Ferry (Persero) expressed its deepest condolences on the passing of Fahri Herdi Eko and prayed that the deceased be granted the best place in the sight of Allah SWT. “ASDP also extends its profound sympathy to the bereaved family and hopes they are granted strength, fortitude, and sincerity in facing this sorrow,” said Andri Setiawan, General Manager of ASDP Banda Aceh Branch.
Andri stated that from the outset of the incident, the company’s primary attention and focus had been on the treatment and recovery of the victims. ASDP continues to provide assistance and support to the victims and their families, including ensuring their treatment needs are met. “We will continue to be present to provide support and assistance to the family of the deceased and the other victims who are still undergoing treatment,” he said.
The company also expressed appreciation to the medical staff, port officers, authorities, and all parties who have assisted in the handling process since the beginning of the incident. ASDP remains in coordination with and fully supports the investigation process being conducted by the authorities to ascertain the facts and the exact cause of the incident. “The company respects the ongoing process and is committed to following up on every evaluation result as part of efforts to strengthen operational safety aspects,” Andri Setiawan concluded.