Ferry Fire Kills Five in Indonesia, Hundreds Evacuated

A fire aboard the KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 ferry has claimed five lives and left 231 people safe, according to Indonesian authorities. The incident occurred Sunday morning in the waters north of Sumenep, Madura.

Officials confirmed the death toll and number of survivors after an evacuation effort that lasted about 12 hours. The ferry was en route from Surabaya to Makassar, carrying 232 passengers and 39 crew members. Authorities are still working to account for the 35 individuals not yet evacuated.

In addition to passengers, the vessel was transporting a significant number of vehicles, including 15 motorcycles, 25 cars, 140 trucks, and one heavy equipment unit. Rescue teams are continuing their efforts to locate and save any remaining individuals on board, utilizing nearby vessels.

Some survivors arrived at Tanjung Perak Port early Monday morning aboard the aid ship Meratus Pematang Siantar. Medical teams were on hand to assess the condition of the evacuees, with some requiring immediate transfer to nearby hospitals. The bodies of the two deceased passengers were transported for further examination.