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Video: Fire Destroys Dozens of Fishing Vessels at Jakarta Harbor

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Images courtesy DPDK Jakarta

Published Feb 25, 2019 8:25 PM by The Maritime Executive

A large fire at the port of Mauara Baru, Jakarta destroyed at least 34 vessels on Saturday. Local authorities believe that the blaze started during welding operations aboard a fishing vessel, and it spread rapidly. Strong wind conditions helped propel its movement from one vessel to another at a congested anchorage. 

The research vessel Baruna Jaya I, which took part in the search for the black box from the ill-fated Lion Air Flight JT 610, was nearly damaged by the fire. She was relocated in time to escape harm. 

The fire burned from about 1500 hours Saturday until 0600 hours on Sunday morning, and it required 23 firefighting trucks, three fireboats and 160 firefighters to put out. No fatalities were reported, but five individuals required medical treatment for burns and smoke inhalation. Police have questioned seven witnesses in connection with the casualty, and an investigation is ongoing. 

Local media reports indicate that the work of the Fisheries Office of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) was briefly disrupted by the noise of explosions from burning vessels. The office's headquarters building is located on the harbor's edge.