- At least five people are dead and an unknown number of people are missing after a ferry fire in Indonesia, with rescuers having rescued 231 individuals from the vessel.
- Survivors reported hearing blasts moments before the ferry caught fire, which led many to jump into the sea for safety.
- The ferry was carrying 236 people when it left Surabaya for Makassar, and officials are still trying to determine the exact number of missing individuals.
- Rescue operations are ongoing, with officials stating that the number of missing individuals remains unclear due to discrepancies in passenger counts.
- The fire broke out between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. local time, reportedly starting in a truck on the lower vehicle deck and spreading rapidly.
- Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi announced that the government would review the ferry operator's performance after the investigation.
- Marine accidents are common in Indonesia, attributed to lax safety standards and unpredictable weather conditions.
At least five people have died and an unknown number are missing after the Mutiara Sentosa 2 ferry caught fire off the coast of Java, Indonesia. The ferry, which was carrying 236 people, was en route from Surabaya to Makassar when the fire broke out around 6 a.m. local time.5
Survivors reported hearing multiple explosions before the flames engulfed the vessel. Ahmad Abdul Karim, a survivor, stated, "Fanned by the wind, the flames spread extremely quickly", forcing passengers to jump into the sea. Many were in the water for hours before being rescued.
The ferry was reportedly carrying more passengers than the 271 listed on its manifest, complicating rescue efforts. Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi announced that the government would review the ferry operator's performance after the National Transportation Safety Committee completes its investigation.6
The fire originated in a truck on the lower deck, according to survivors. "The fire spread quickly to the middle of the vessel," said Azhari, another passenger. Rescuers, aided by Indonesian navy ships, are still searching for survivors, with estimates of the missing fluctuating. National Search and Rescue Agency head Mohammad Syafii expressed hope that all on board would be found.
Marine accidents are common in Indonesia, attributed to lax safety standards and unpredictable weather, raising concerns about ferry safety in the archipelago of over 17,000 islands.7
“The Mutiara Sentosa 2, en route from Surabaya to Makassar, carried 236 people and 180 vehicles when the fire broke out. Search and rescue office head Nanang Sigit said 229 people were rescued alive — "mathematically, only two that have yet to be evacuated" — though police earlier counted 28 missing.”
