SURABAYA – (Web Desk) Five people were killed and dozens remain missing after a passenger ferry caught fire off Indonesia’s coast, triggering a large-scale maritime rescue operation as emergency crews continued searching for survivors in challenging sea conditions.
Indonesian search and rescue authorities said the ferry caught fire while travelling from Surabaya in East Java to Makassar in South Sulawesi. Hundreds of passengers were on board when flames rapidly spread through parts of the vessel, forcing many people to jump into the sea to escape the blaze.
According to the latest official figures, rescue teams successfully evacuated 225 passengers from the burning ferry. Authorities confirmed that five people lost their lives, while 41 others remained unaccounted for as search operations continued throughout the day.
The National Search and Rescue Agency said several passengers were rescued after jumping into the sea and were later picked up by nearby commercial vessels that responded immediately after receiving distress signals.
Emergency officials said four additional ships reached the area but were initially unable to move close to the burning ferry because of concerns that flammable materials aboard the vessel could trigger explosions or intensify the fire.
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Authorities explained that safety concerns forced rescue crews to maintain a secure distance while assessing the situation before launching evacuation efforts. Firefighters and maritime rescue specialists continued working to bring the situation under control.
According to officials, the ferry captain managed to contact the operating company shortly after the fire broke out, informing them of the emergency while the vessel remained at sea. However, communication with the captain was later lost, and authorities have not yet confirmed his condition.
A large-scale rescue mission was launched from Surabaya, involving specialised search vessels, emergency personnel and medical teams. Officials said rescue ships required several hours to reach the accident site due to its distance from the nearest major port.
Authorities stated that passengers rescued from the sea were transferred to nearby vessels before being transported to safety. Medical teams examined survivors for burns, dehydration and injuries sustained while escaping the burning ferry.
Search teams continued scanning surrounding waters for missing passengers using rescue boats and aerial surveillance where weather conditions allowed. Officials said operations would continue until every missing person had been accounted for.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation said nearby ships played a critical role during the emergency by rescuing passengers who had entered the water before official rescue units reached the scene.
Government officials noted that preliminary reports indicated many passengers remained aboard nearby vessels while waiting to be transferred safely to port. Rescue coordinators said efforts were focused on locating missing individuals as quickly as possible.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Maritime investigators are expected to begin a formal investigation once the vessel is secured and emergency operations conclude. Authorities said they would examine the ship’s mechanical systems, cargo and onboard safety procedures.
Indonesia, an archipelago comprising more than 17,000 islands, relies heavily on ferry transport for passenger and cargo movement. Maritime travel remains essential for connecting remote islands, although accidents involving overcrowding, poor weather and safety shortcomings have occurred periodically over the years.
Following the latest incident, transportation authorities said they would review safety compliance and emergency preparedness procedures for passenger ferries operating across Indonesian waters. Officials stressed the importance of regular vessel inspections and adherence to maritime safety regulations.
Families of passengers gathered at ports seeking updates as authorities worked to verify passenger lists and identify those rescued, missing or deceased. Emergency information centres have been established to assist relatives and provide verified updates on the rescue operation.
Officials urged the public to rely only on confirmed information released by government agencies as rescue efforts continue. They also thanked nearby ship crews whose swift response helped save numerous lives during the emergency.
Search and rescue authorities said operations will continue until all missing passengers are located, while investigators work to determine the circumstances that led to one of the country’s latest maritime disasters.
