At least five killed, dozens missing after fire breaks out on Indonesian passenger ship

WEB DESK: At least five people have been killed, and dozens of others are missing after a passenger ship caught fire near Indonesia’s Madura Island.

According to Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency, the incident occurred on Sunday morning when the vessel was travelling from Surabaya in East Java to Makassar in South Sulawesi.

Authorities said a total of 271 passengers and crew members were onboard the passenger ship at the time of the incident. Rescue teams have so far managed to save 225 people, while five fatalities have been confirmed. Search efforts are underway for 41 passengers who remain missing.

The National Search and Rescue Agency said rescue teams, using boats and other resources, are conducting an extensive operation to locate the missing individuals. Officials added that emergency efforts have been intensified in the affected area.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, while authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances behind the incident.

Madura Island is located near the northeastern coast of Java and relies heavily on sea transport as an important means of travel. In Indonesia, where thousands of islands are spread across the archipelago, passenger ships are widely used for daily transportation. However, concerns over vessel safety and operational standards have contributed to previous maritime accidents.

Authorities have established contact with the families of affected passengers and said rescue operations will continue until all missing people are accounted for.