A rescue team member said the ferry caught fire around 26 kilometers north of Madura Island.
“Regarding the latest developments involving the KMP Mutiara Sentosa II, which caught fire at the location, we are coordinating with Meratus Project III, TB Khas No. 26, the British Mentor and four other vessels already at the scene through the Kalianget communications post. They are assisting with the evacuation of passengers from the KMP Mutiara Sentosa II,” another rescue team member said.
Footage shows thick black smoke billowing from the vessel at sea. Rescue personnel are also seen receiving a briefing aboard a rescue boat before heading to the scene. Video by Viory
“Basarnas is currently deploying the Kaisar Permadi to the location, with an estimated travel time of approximately six hours,” he added.
The Mutiara Sentosa II was carrying 271 passengers and crew. Authorities said 225 people had been rescued as teams continued searching the Java Sea for survivors.
Some passengers reportedly jumped into the sea to escape the flames as rescue vessels moved in to evacuate those still on board.
The ferry had departed from Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya and was travelling to Makassar in South Sulawesi. Authorities said the fire broke out between 06:00 and 07:00 local time, several hours into the journey.
Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency said the operation remained underway on Sunday afternoon. The cause of the fire had not been established.