LABUAN, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- A passenger speed boat ferrying 38 commuters from Menumbok to Labuan was engulfed in flames at about 2pm today, forcing an emergency diversion to Mawilla Beach where all passengers, including two infants and elderly individuals, managed to disembark safely.
LDA Holdings, management company for the Labuan International Ferry Terminal, chief executive officer Noor Halim Zaini said the incident occurred midway through the journey when smoke and flames were spotted at the certain section of the vessel.
“The boat operator immediately steered the vessel towards the nearest shoreline to ensure a safe evacuation. Despite the boat being quickly consumed by fire, all passengers were safely brought to shore without injury. However, their personal belongings were completely destroyed in the blaze,” he told Bernama today.
Witnesses at the Mawilla Beach said passengers appeared shaken but relieved as they were assisted to safety moments before the fire intensified.
The route between Menumbok and Labuan is one of the busiest maritime passenger corridors in the region, with hundreds of daily commuters relying on the service for work, school, and essential travel.
Noor Halim said further details on the cause of the fire and the extent of damage to the vessel are being investigated.
Emergency responders and local authorities arrived shortly after to secure the area and begin preliminary investigations into the cause of the fire.
-- BERNAMA
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