Sulawesi: A devastating fire on a ferry carrying 250 passengers and crew in Indonesia has claimed at least five lives. Authorities have said that 41 others are missing.
The ferry caught fire off Madura Island on Sunday morning, authorities said, as reported by The Times of India.
KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2, was on its way from Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya to Makassar on the Sulawesi Island when the captain reported a fire several hours into the voyage. Communication with the vessel was lost shortly after, officials said.
The ferry was located about 19 nautical miles north of Sapudi Island, the Surabaya Search and Rescue Office said. The vessel was almost completely engulfed in flames, with passengers remaining on the bridge and at the bow awaiting evacuation.
“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, head of the Surabaya Search and Rescue Office.
The rescue vessel, SAR 249 Permadi, was en route to the scene but faced an estimated travel time of about six hours.
Videos revealed thick black smoke billowing from the upper decks as flames spread through the ferry. Passengers wearing life jackets could be seen gathered on one side of the vessel, some are seen on video jumping off the vessel into the water.
Rescue operations are ongoing and the cause of the fire remains under investigation, officials said.