Ferry Catches Fire in Malaysia

   February 26, 2019 ,   Accidents

A ferry boat with a total of 58 passengers caught fire minutes after departing from a Malaysian resort island on Monday, February 25, but all were rescued, police said.

The fire broke out shortly after the ship left Kuah, Langkawi island for the 1-hour trip to Kuala Perlis on the mainland.

The fire spread quickly from the ferry's rear but 5 nearby fishing boats and several tourist ships came alongside the burning boat to help evacuate the 52 passengers and 6 crew members to safety.

Authorities launched a probe into the cause of the fire that destroyed almost 80% of the ferry.