Four dead in ferry fire en route from Surabaya to Makassar

A devastating fire aboard the KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 ferry has claimed the lives of four passengers. The vessel was traveling from Surabaya to Makassar when the incident occurred in the waters north of Sumenep Regency, East Java, on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026.

According to Nanang Sigit PH, head of the Surabaya SAR Office, the latest figures indicate that out of an estimated 250 passengers on board, 218 were successfully evacuated and are safe. Tragically, four individuals were found deceased. The search and rescue operation, involving a joint team, is ongoing to ensure all passengers are accounted for.

Several ships in the vicinity responded to the emergency. The Meratus Pematang Siantar evacuated 111 people, including two deceased. TB Hasnur 26 rescued 66 individuals, with one fatality. Meratus Project 3 evacuated 14 people, including one fatality. Transco Arafura saved 17 passengers, and Prakarsa Mas and SC Aila XVII each rescued seven survivors.

The fire was first reported to the Surabaya SAR Office at 8:24 AM WIB by officials at Tanjung Perak Port. PT Atosim Lampung Pelayaran confirmed the fire shortly after, stating the ferry had departed Surabaya for Makassar. Communication with the captain was lost after the company received information that the fire began between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM local time in the waters north of Madura.

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From the initial data, 218 passengers were successfully rescued, while four people were found dead.