An Indonesian ferry carrying hundreds caught fire near Java, killing five people and leaving dozens missing as rescuers continue a massive search and investigation into the disaster.
WEBDESK – HAJIRA IRFAN – NJNEWSLINE
Deadly Ferry Fire Triggers Massive Rescue Operation Off Indonesia
A devastating ferry fire off Indonesia’s main island of Java has left at least five people dead, while rescue teams continue searching for dozens of passengers still unaccounted for in one of the country’s latest maritime disasters.
The blaze erupted aboard the Mutiara Sentosa 2 ferry as it sailed from Surabaya in East Java to Makassar in South Sulawesi. Officials said the vessel was carrying 271 passengers and crew members, though investigators suspect the actual number of people on board may have exceeded the official passenger manifest.
The incident has once again drawn attention to long-standing concerns over ferry safety in Indonesia, where sea transport remains a lifeline connecting thousands of islands.
Passengers Escape Into the Sea
Authorities said flames spread rapidly through the ferry after the fire broke out on the lower deck, leaving passengers with little time to react.
As thick smoke engulfed the vessel, many people were forced to jump into the sea wearing life jackets in an attempt to escape. Survivors later recalled spending hours floating in open water before rescue boats reached them.
Videos shared on social media showed dense black smoke rising from the ferry while frightened passengers gathered on the upper deck before leaping into the ocean to avoid the flames.
Hundreds Pulled to Safety
A large-scale emergency response was launched immediately after distress calls were received.
The Indonesian Navy, national search-and-rescue agency Basarnas, local police, tugboats and nearby commercial vessels all joined the operation. Rescue helicopters and multiple boats searched surrounding waters while emergency teams evacuated survivors from the burning ferry.
Officials confirmed that 238 people were rescued, while 28 passengers remained missing during the latest phase of the operation. Survivors were transported to Gapura Surya Nusantara Port in Surabaya, where medical teams provided treatment and emergency assistance.
Search Efforts Continue
Rescue operations remain focused on locating those who have not yet been accounted for.
Authorities are searching an area extending roughly 20 miles around the accident site using patrol boats, rescue vessels and aircraft. Officials said the search mission is expected to continue for at least seven days and could be extended if necessary.
Investigators believe discrepancies between the official passenger manifest and the actual number of travellers may complicate efforts to determine exactly how many people remain missing.
Cause Yet to Be Determined
Investigators have not identified what triggered the fire.
Preliminary information suggests the blaze may have originated on the lower deck near vehicles being transported aboard the ferry, but officials stressed that no official conclusion has been reached.
Indonesia’s National Transportation Safety Committee has launched a formal investigation and plans to inspect the damaged vessel once conditions allow. Authorities have also announced a review of the ferry operator’s safety procedures.
Maritime Safety Under Renewed Scrutiny
The latest tragedy has revived concerns about ferry safety standards across Indonesia.
As the world’s largest archipelago, Indonesia depends heavily on ferry transport to connect more than 17,000 islands. However, maritime accidents have occurred repeatedly over the years, with investigators often pointing to overcrowding, ageing vessels and inconsistent enforcement of safety regulations.
Transportation experts argue that stricter inspections, improved maintenance standards and more accurate passenger registration systems could help reduce future tragedies.
Families Wait for News
For relatives of those still missing, the rescue effort remains an anxious wait.
Emergency officials continue coordinating search operations while keeping affected families informed of developments. Hospitals in Surabaya are treating injured survivors as authorities work to identify those who lost their lives.
The Indonesian government has pledged a thorough investigation into the disaster and says it will review ferry safety measures in an effort to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As search teams continue their work, the focus remains on locating the missing passengers, supporting grieving families and uncovering what caused the deadly fire.
