Five dead and 41 missing as Indonesian ferry erupts into inferno

A horrific fire ripped through a passenger ferry off the coast of Indonesia on Sunday, leaving at least five people dead and 41 others still missing in rough seas.

The KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 was traveling from Surabaya to Makassar when disaster struck. Between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. local time, the captain issued a frantic distress call as a fierce blaze broke out.

Billowing black smoke quickly engulfed the vessel, trapping hundreds of terrified passengers and crew members on board, reports Sindo News.

A massive rescue operation was launched immediately. Nearby vessels and a local tugboat rushed to the scene. They heroically pulled 225 survivors from the burning deck and the water before 10 a.m.

The Indonesian Navy also deployed a warship to assist in the search. However, rescue efforts have faced severe challenges.

High waves and treacherous sea conditions forced a smaller rescue boat from Sumenep to turn back to shore, leaving teams fighting against time and the elements.

Out of 271 passengers and crew members, rescue teams successfully saved 225 people, while five fatalities have been confirmed, and 41 individuals remain missing as the search continues in challenging sea conditions.

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Authorities have initiated an investigation into the fatal fire aboard the KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2, which highlights ongoing safety concerns in the region.

Maritime disasters are a recurring issue in the vast Indonesian archipelago, where safety regulations are frequently bypassed, and vessels are often overcrowded.