Topic overview
In brief
- An Indonesian ferry carrying 271 people caught fire off Madura island, resulting in at least five fatalities.
- The fire broke out in the morning while the ferry was en route from Surabaya to Makassar, prompting a rescue operation.
- The incident raises concerns about ferry safety in Indonesia, where such disasters are frequent.
Summary
On a Sunday morning, an Indonesian ferry named Mutiara Sentosa 2 caught fire while navigating the waters off Madura island, resulting in a tragic incident that left at least five people dead and 41 others unaccounted for. The ferry was en route from Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, to Makassar in South Sulawesi, carrying 232 passengers, 39 crew members, and a significant number of vehicles, including trucks and an excavator. The fire reportedly broke out between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. in the Sumenep regency, prompting immediate action from the ferry operator, PT Atosim Lampung Pelayaran, who notified the Surabaya search and rescue office about an hour later.
As the situation escalated, the ferry was located approximately 19 nautical miles north of Buruan Sapudi island. Rescuers and nearby vessels worked tirelessly to evacuate hundreds of individuals from the burning ship. Footage from the scene depicted thick black smoke and flames engulfing the vessel, with terrified passengers, many wearing life jackets, gathered on the deck and upper sections, some even jumping into the sea in desperation. A tugboat and another passing vessel began the evacuation process shortly before 10 a.m.