A liveaboard vessel en route to the Rinca Ranger Station in Komodo National Park became engulfed in flames, prompting a swift response from nearby vessels and authorities. Eyewitnesses aboard another boat, including Alex Lindbloom Film and Photography, first noticed smoke billowing in the distance around 09:00 local time.
Initially resembling heavy exhaust, the smoke soon revealed a dire situation as it became evident that the source was a vessel, later identified as the Sea Safari VII, an older liveaboard in the area. With limited information available over radio communication, the captain of the witnessing boat promptly rerouted their course to assess the situation and offer assistance.
As they drew closer, the severity of the incident became apparent. The Sea Safari VII was ablaze, with black smoke rising ominously into the sky. Despite the chaos, the deployment of life rafts and tenders from the stricken vessel was observed, indicating emergency procedures were underway.
The crisis attracted further aid from multiple quarters. Speedboats from Labuan Bajo and another day trip dive-boat swiftly converged on the scene, with the latter already engaged in the rescue operation, retrieving guests from the lifeboats.
Fortunately, all crew and guests were reported to have evacuated safely from the burning vessel. However, the Sea Safari VII, adrift between Komodo Island and Rinca, succumbed to the inferno, eventually burning to the waterline. Its charred remains were later discovered on the north side of Padar Island, marking a tragic end to the vessel’s journey.
