Indonesia ferry fire kills five, leaves 41 missing

A fire aboard an Indonesian passenger ferry has left at least five people dead and 41 missing, according to Maritime Executive . More than 220 passengers and crewmembers have been rescued, while search teams continue looking for survivors.

The fire broke out early Sunday aboard Mutiara Sentosa 2 during its voyage from Surabaya to Makassar. The ferry was carrying 232 passengers and 39 crewmembers when the blaze started near Madura Island at around 06:00 local time. Authorities said they received the emergency report about an hour later.

Several nearby vessels joined the rescue operation. Meratus Pematang Siantar rescued 109 people, while Hasnur 26, Meratus Project 3, Transco Arafura, Prakarsa Mas, and SC Aila XVII also assisted in the rescue effort.

Survivors gathered at the bow to escape the flames, while local media reported that some people jumped into the sea. Strong winds and rough water made rescue efforts more difficult. By Sunday evening, officials had confirmed five deaths, and search teams continued looking for the 41 missing.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Mutiara Sentosa 2, a passenger ferry built in 1992, has operated in Indonesia since at least 2015.

 

Picture: Sumatera Adil & Federal , @indepenSumatera / X