Fire on a ferry in Indonesia: at least five dead and more than 40 missing

A fire broke out on a ferry off the coast of Java, Indonesia, killing at least five people and leaving more than 40 missing. The incident occurred on Sunday as the vessel Mutiara Sentosa 2 was traveling between Surabaya and Makassar, near the island of Madura in eastern Java. The ferry carried over 200 passengers, and emergency crews reported that 225 individuals had been rescued alive by late afternoon, while searches continued for the missing. The blaze spread rapidly through much of the ship, forcing several passengers to jump into the sea to escape the flames. According to Indonesian authorities, the fire forced many onboard to take drastic measures to survive. Rescue teams noted that the situation remained critical, with ongoing efforts to locate those still unaccounted for. The search area included the surrounding waters, where multiple boats assisted in the operation, though four vessels were unable to approach due to the risk posed by flammable materials aboard the burning ferry. The captain of the Mutiara Sentosa 2 managed to alert his company about the fire while the vessel was still en route. However, communication with him was lost shortly after. As of now, officials have not released an official list of passengers, and they continue working to determine the exact number of people affected. The cause of the fire has yet to be identified, although the Indonesian government emphasized its priority to ensure the safety of all onboard and to locate those who remain missing. Maritime accidents are not uncommon in Indonesia, a country composed of over 17,000 islands where ferry travel is a primary means of connecting different regions. Authorities attribute these incidents to a range of factors including inadequate infrastructure, violations of safety regulations, overcrowding of both passengers and cargo, and adverse weather conditions. In July 2025, another ferry carrying approximately 580 people caught fire in northern Celebes province, resulting in three deaths. More recently, last month, a boat transporting over 70 passengers sank near the island of Selayar, leading to at least four fatalities and numerous missing persons. Emergency services and maritime rescue teams are continuing their operations in the area, coordinating with nearby vessels to assist in the search. The situation remains under active investigation, with officials urging patience as they work to provide further updates. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Indonesia’s maritime sector, which continues to grapple with safety concerns despite repeated calls for improved standards and oversight.