Ferry Fire Off Madura Island Kills Five, 41 Missing

At least five people have died and 41 others remain missing after a ferry carrying around 250 passengers and crew caught fire off Madura Island in Indonesia on Sunday morning, authorities said. The ferry, KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2, was en route from Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya to Makassar on Sulawesi Island when the captain reported a fire several hours into the voyage. Communication with the vessel was lost shortly after, officials said.

The Surabaya Search and Rescue Office said the ferry was located about 19 nautical miles north of Sapudi Island. The vessel was almost completely engulfed in flames, with passengers remaining on the bridge and at the bow awaiting evacuation. Several nearby vessels joined the rescue effort. "TB Hasnur 26 and the British Mentor are assisting in evacuating passengers who jumped from KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2. Four vessels are now alongside the ferry," said Nanang Sigit, head of the Surabaya Search and Rescue Office.

A rescue vessel, SAR 249 Permadi, was en route to the scene but faced an estimated travel time of about six hours. Videos circulating on social media showed thick black smoke billowing from the upper decks as flames spread through the ferry. Passengers wearing life jackets could be seen gathered on one side of the vessel, some are seen on video jumping of the vessel into the water. Rescue operations are ongoing and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.