FERRY FIRE OFF INDONESIA KILLS FIVE, 41 MISSING

Five people have been found dead and 41 remain missing after a passenger ferry caught fire whilst travelling between Indonesian cities on Sunday, according to the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas). The vessel, KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2, was en route from Surabaya in East Java to Makassar in South Sulawesi when the fire broke out off Madura island. The ship was carrying at least 250 people; one report stated 271 passengers and crew were aboard. Basarnas reported receiving notification of the fire at 08:24 local time, though the agency said the blaze had begun around 06:00 to 07:00. A total of 225 people have been rescued, according to one account.

The captain reported the fire to authorities as the vessel was at sea. Video footage from the scene showed thick smoke and flames rising from the upper sections of the ferry, with passengers wearing life jackets evacuating the ship. Footage showed people climbing down from the vessel and others jumping into the sea, with rescue teams deploying life buoys and lifeboats to assist those in the water. The cause of the fire remains unclear, Basarnas stated. The search and rescue operation was ongoing at the time of reporting.

The incident marks a significant maritime emergency in Indonesian waters. Basarnas confirmed that the ferry was almost entirely engulfed in flames as evacuation efforts continued. Officials said rescue operations were continuing as attempts to locate the 41 missing people proceeded.