Source Reuter
At least five people have been confirmed dead and 41 others remain missing after a ferry caught fire off the coast of Indonesia, authorities said on Sunday, sparking a massive search and rescue operation.
The incident occurred when the passenger ferry, carrying dozens of people, suddenly erupted in flames while en route between islands. Survivors recounted scenes of panic as thick smoke engulfed the vessel, forcing passengers to jump into the sea to escape the rapidly spreading fire.
Local maritime officials stated that emergency services were immediately dispatched to the site. Rescue teams, including coast guard vessels and nearby fishermen, worked through the night to pull survivors from the water. So far, several passengers have been rescued, many of them suffering from burns and exhaustion.
“The situation was chaotic. People were screaming and trying to save themselves,” said one survivor, who was rescued by a passing fishing boat. “We had no choice but to jump into the water.”
Authorities have yet to confirm the total number of passengers on board, raising concerns that the death toll could rise as search efforts continue. Helicopters and rescue divers have been deployed to locate the missing individuals, with operations ongoing amid challenging sea conditions.
Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have started in the engine room, but officials have not ruled out other possible causes. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact reason behind the blaze.
Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, relies heavily on ferry transport. However, maritime accidents are not uncommon due to overcrowding, lax safety standards, and unpredictable weather conditions.
The government has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured that all necessary resources are being used in the rescue mission. Authorities have also pledged to review safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the search continues, families of the missing wait anxiously for news, hoping for the safe return of their loved ones.
