LANGKAWI: ‘The ferry was just departing when we smelled strong smoke coming from the back, that caused passengers to panic,’ said passenger of Dragon 01 ferry, Fatihah Arshad, 29.
Fatihah, who is also a member of Kulim's Civil Defence Forces (APM), said there were about 50 passengers including children and crew when the ferry departed at 2.45pm.
He said passengers started to put on their safety jackets when they realised the engine compartment caught fire, and they were directed to leave through the front door.
"The passengers became quite panic after noticing the back of the ferry caught fire and some did not even have the time to put on their safety jackets when they rushed out.
"We were then rescued by two private boats that come to help, as well as fishing boats that helped to pull passengers who had jumped into the sea," he said when contacted by BH here today.
Meanwhile, it was reported that firefighters managed to put out the fire and were conducting checks to ensure no passengers were trapped.
Langkawi Fire and Rescue Operations commander Deputy Superintendent Johari Lazim, said so far there had been no report of passengers trapped.
It is understood all passengers, including two injured were sent to Kuala Perlis for treatment.