Passenger Recounts Survival, Aid Efforts During Ferry Fire

Muhammad Saleh, a 44-year-old passenger aboard the KMP Mutiara Sentosa II ferry, shared his harrowing experience of surviving a fire that engulfed the vessel in the waters north of Sumenep, Madura. Saleh was traveling from Surabaya to Makassar, overseeing the transport of 17 horses, when the fire erupted.

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So I was cutting grass, and then smoke came. My driver said 'Fire!'

Initially cutting grass for the horses' feed, Saleh heard a sudden shout of "Fire!" from his companion. Thick, black smoke quickly filled the ship, making escape routes impassable. He resorted to using a window to get fresh air before managing to ascend to the deck. "I couldn't see anything because of the thick black smoke. I went to the window for air... so I could breathe," Saleh recounted.

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I couldn't see anything because of the thick black smoke. I went to the window for air... so I could breathe. There was air there, so when the smoke was dense, I ran upstairs.

Upon reaching the deck, Saleh found no life vests readily available and only managed to grab an empty water jug, intending to use it as a flotation device. Fortunately, someone provided him with a life jacket. He observed that many passengers hesitated to jump into the sea due to the ship's high position above the water and its continued movement.

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I ran but couldn't find a life vest. There was a jerrycan there, so I took it. A blue one. I took the jerrycan, and when I got upstairs, someone gave me a life vest.

As the fire spread, the area where Saleh stood, near the anchor and its rope, became increasingly hot as these parts began to burn. Trapped and with the flames drawing nearer, Saleh and other passengers panicked. He was eventually pushed overboard by the crowd. In the water, he encountered two goat traders and their child, who were struggling to stay afloat. Saleh initiated efforts to assist them, despite the chaotic and dangerous conditions.

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So we hesitated to jump. Because it was still high up.