​ SABUK NUSANTARA 49 on fire, 81 passengers evacuated

Passenger cargo vessel SABUK NUSANTARA 49 reported fire on board at 2340 LT Jan 20, off Kupang, West Timor, in Savu Sea. vessel with 81 passengers, 19 crew and cargo on board left Kupang, bound for Naikliu Kupang and to North Maluku islands. all passengers were evacuated and transferred to Tenau port, Kupang. Fire according to preliminary reports, started in passenger luggage and spread on passenger deck portside. No injures reported, fire understood to be extinguished.