Ferry fire off Indonesia's Madura Island leaves at least five dead and dozens missing
At least five people were killed, and 41 remained missing after the passenger ferry KMP Mutiara Sentosa II caught fire off Indonesia's Madura Island, according to the National Search and Rescue Agency.
Thick black smoke billowed from the vessel as rescue teams prepared to respond. A rescue official said the ferry caught fire about 26 kilometres north of Madura Island.
"Regarding the latest developments involving the KMP Mutiara Sentosa II, which caught fire at the location, we are coordinating with Meratus Project III, TB Khas No. 26, the British Mentor and four other vessels already at the scene through the Kalianget communications post. They are assisting with the evacuation of passengers from the KMP Mutiara Sentosa II," he said.
"Basarnas is currently deploying the Kaisar Permadi to the location, with an estimated travel time of approximately six hours," he added.
The Mutiara Sentosa II was carrying 271 passengers and crew. Authorities said 225 people had been rescued as search teams continued looking for survivors in the Java Sea.
Some passengers reportedly jumped into the sea to escape the flames as nearby vessels evacuated those still on board.
The ferry had departed from Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya and was travelling to Makassar in South Sulawesi. Authorities said the fire broke out several hours into the journey.
Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency said the rescue operation remained underway and that the cause of the fire had not yet been determined.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
