A deadly fire erupted aboard the oil tanker Federal II early Wednesday while the vessel was under repair at Indonesia’s ASL Shipyard in Batam. Local authorities confirmed that ten people were killed and at least twenty others were injured when flames engulfed the drydocked tanker at around 4:00 a.m. local time, Reuters reported.
All victims were members of the shipyard’s repair team. Emergency crews managed to contain the blaze before it spread to nearby facilities, and the injured were taken to several hospitals across Batam.
Preliminary information suggests that a buildup of gas in one of the tanks may have ignited during welding work, though investigators have not ruled out other causes. The ship, which had been emptied of fuel before maintenance began, suffered extensive damage to its forward section.
The Federal II, a 1990-built aframax-class vessel flying the Indonesian flag, is owned by PT Eastern Jason and operated by Monaco-based International Andromeda Shipping. It has been serving as a floating storage and offloading (FSO) unit.
This fire marks the second fatal incident on the same ship within four months. In June, Federal II caught fire at the very same yard, leaving four workers dead and nine injured. The recurrence of such a tragedy has raised serious questions about safety standards and oversight at the facility.
Police and maritime authorities have launched an investigation, focusing on potential safety lapses and the handling of hazardous materials during ship repair operations. The shipyard has yet to issue an official statement.
Photo: Batam TV
