One of six crew members aboard KM Yuliner was killed when the cargo ship burst into flames off the coast of South Buton regency, Southeast Sulawesi on Tuesday.

One dead, 4 missing after cargo ship catches fire in Southeast Sulawesi

Four other crew members went missing following the fire, while one survivor has been recovered.

The Kendari National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has since deployed personnel to find the missing people.

“We are carrying out a search operation for the four missing crew members. We have enlisted the support of fishermen based in the region, but so far there are no signs of the crew members,” Aris Sofingi, who helms the local Basarnas, said on Wednesday.

KM Yuliner, which was carrying cement, left for Wakotobi regency in Southeast Sulawesi from Pangkep Port in South Sulawesi on Tuesday.

However, the cargo vessel caught on fire midway through its journey. The cause of the fire remains unclear.

Both the survivor and casualty were found 18 nautical miles west of the vessel’s last known position.

The team deployed by Basarnas is currently combing the location in the hope of finding the missing crew members.

“We hope we can find all of them regardless of their condition,” Aris said. 

Source: Asia One