Five Killed, 41 Missing After Ferry Catches Fire In Indonesia

Jakarta: At least five people were killed and 41 are missing after a passenger ferry carrying hundreds of people caught fire off Indonesia's Madura island on Sunday, which has triggered a large-scale search and rescue operation, officials said. 

Where did the incident happen?

A major sea accident happened near the island of Madura on Sunday morning. A passenger ferry carrying hundreds of passengers and crew caught fire suddenly. At least five people were killed and 41 are still missing. Help and rescue efforts are taking place. The search for the missing people is still happening.

According to officials the ship, KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 left from Surabaya Tanjung Perak port heading to Makassar, a city on the island of Sulawesi. A hour into the trip, the captain said there was a fire on the ship. 

The Surabaya Search and Rescue Office said that the ship was found about 19 miles north of Sapudi Island. When the rescuers got there the ship was mostly on fire. Many passengers were on the part of the ship and on the bridge waiting for help while others jumped into the water to try to survive.

At least five people have died and 41 remain missing after the KM Mutiara Sentosa 2 passenger ship caught fire off Madura Island in the Java Sea near Sumenep Regency, Indonesia, this morning. pic.twitter.com/2z912DKP8W

— T_CAS videos (@tecas2000) August 2, 2026

What about the rescue operation?

Several ships nearby got involved in the rescue. Nanang Sigit, the leader of the Surabaya Search and Rescue Office said that ships called TB Hasnur 26 and British Mentor are helping to save people who jumped into the sea. A total of four ships are working and rescuing. Doing rescue work. He also said a rescue ship called SAR 249 Permadi has been sent to the location but it will take six hours to get there.

"TB Hasnur 26 and the British Mentor are assisting in evacuating passengers who jumped from KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2. Four vessels are now alongside the ferry," said Nanang Sigit.

What is there in the video?

Some videos from the accident are going viral on social media. The clip showss smoke coming from the top of the ship and the fire is quickly moving through the ship. People wearing life jackets can be seen together. Some even jumped into the water.

Rescue efforts are still. The search for the missing is still on. Officials have said the reason for the fire is not known yet. An investigation, into the accident has been.