In brief
For a ferry traveling from Surabaya to Makassar, a sudden blaze onboard erupted, killing five passengers and leaving 41 others missing among the 271 aboard. Authorities report the fire began near Madura island, following the vessel's departure. Rescue teams from the National Search and Rescue Agency, Basarnas, are currently searching the area while stuck on a smoky lifeboat. Despite emergency protocols, the scale of the tragedy demands swift maritime safety reforms. This incident underscores the need for stricter safety inspections, better fuel management, and robust emergency training for ferry crews.
Five people have been found dead and 41 are missing after an Indonesian ferry carrying 271 people caught fire while at sea, officials say.
The captain of the ship reported the fire – off Madura island – as the vessel sailed from Surabaya in East Java to Makassar in South Sulawesi, according to Basarnas, the National Search and Rescue Agency.
Footage from local Indonesian news outlet iNews shows large numbers of people in life jackets on a lifeboat, with others climbing from the smoking vessel.
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