INDONESIA: An Indonesian ferry caught fire at sea on Sunday, leaving at least five people dead and 41 others missing, while rescue teams continued an extensive search operation.
Authorities confirmed that 225 passengers and crew members were rescued after the devastating incident, with several survivors reportedly jumping into the sea to escape the flames.
According to Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), nearby vessels managed to rescue many passengers from the water. However, four additional ships remained at a safe distance due to the risk of explosions and flammable materials onboard the burning ferry.
The vessel was traveling from Surabaya in East Java to Makassar in South Sulawesi when the fire broke out. Officials said the ferry captain contacted the operating company to report the emergency but has not been heard from since, raising concerns about his fate.
A large-scale rescue mission was launched from Surabaya, with emergency teams expected to take several hours to reach the disaster site. Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation stated that passenger and crew safety remains the highest priority, adding that authorities are working closely with rescue agencies to ensure a swift and coordinated evacuation.
Initial reports indicate that several passengers were still awaiting evacuation aboard nearby vessels as rescue operations continued. Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the fire, and an investigation is expected once the emergency response concludes.
Marine accidents are relatively common in Indonesia due to its vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands, where ferries serve as a vital mode of transportation. Safety concerns, unpredictable weather, and overcrowding have contributed to multiple maritime disasters in recent years, highlighting the need for stricter safety measures across the country's ferry network.
