The fire occurred on the ferry Mutiara Santosa 2 as it operated near Madura Island, with initial reports indicating a blaze aboard the vessel before it was stabilized and passengers were evacuated. By Monday, rescue teams reported that at least five people had died as a result of the incident. The exact number of missing passengers remained unclear, with authorities stating that searches were ongoing and would continue as weather and sea conditions allowed.
Emergency crews, including maritime police and local fishermen, coordinated inshore and offshore search operations. Photos and video from the scene showed smoke emanating from the ferries’ upper decks as responders worked to secure the vessel and account for all on board. Local authorities did not immediately provide a breakdown of casualties or identification of the deceased.
officials emphasized that the investigation would focus on establishing the cause of the fire and whether safety protocols were being followed. Ferry travel is a common mode of transport in Indonesia, connecting numerous islands. While safety measures have improved in recent years, accidents periodically occur, drawing attention to enforcement and maintenance standards across the archipelago.
The Indonesian Coast Guard and other agencies were expected to review passenger manifests and vessel documents to determine the total number of people aboard at the time of the incident. Officials urged any relatives who had not yet been contacted to provide identifying information to help in the confirmation process.
As the search continued, authorities warned that the situation could change as more information becomes available. Additional updates were expected as rescue teams assessed the wreckage and expanded search zones in the surrounding sea.
