The entire crew of 19 people was evacuated after their ship, the 2006-built general cargo vessel Lintas Belawan, caught fire on Thursday off Masalembu Islands in Indonesia, according to the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency.

The fire broke out in the engine room and spread throughout the ship.

Another vessel which was in the vicinity when the fire broke out attempted to help the crew and extinguish the flames. Despite the efforts, Lintas Belawan was swallowed by the fire causing an explosion aboard. The cargo ship sank soon after.

One person sustained injuries from the fire and was immediately sent to Surabaya for medical treatment, while the remaining crew members were examined and there have been no reports of graver injuries.

Subsequently, the seafarers were safely transferred to Tanjung Perak, the rescue agency said.

The 8,294-dwt ship, operated by Indonesian shipping company Lintas Kumala Abadi, was on its way from Jakarta to Makassar, South Sulawesi, at the time of the incident.

From: World Maritime News