At least five people were killed and 41 others remained missing after a passenger ferry caught fire off Indonesia's Madura Island on Sunday, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving maritime authorities and emergency responders. The vessel, identified as KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2, was carrying a total of 271 passengers and crew members while travelling from Surabaya in East Java to Makassar in South Sulawesi. Rescue teams continued searching the surrounding waters as officials worked to locate those still unaccounted for.

According to Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency, 225 people had been rescued by Sunday afternoon. Many survivors were evacuated from the burning vessel by rescue boats and nearby ships responding to the emergency. Images from the scene showed passengers gathering at the bow of the ferry as thick black smoke engulfed much of the vessel, while others were seen entering the sea in an effort to escape the flames before rescuers arrived.

Authorities said the captain of the ferry alerted emergency services after the fire broke out onboard, but communication with the vessel was subsequently lost. Rescue personnel were immediately dispatched to the location, with multiple ships and emergency teams joining the operation. Search efforts have continued despite challenging conditions, with officials focusing on locating the 41 people who remain missing.

Also Read: California Cliff Fall Survivor Rescued From Ocean; Dramatic Operation Caught On Camera

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and investigators are expected to begin a formal inquiry once the emergency response is completed. Officials have not released details regarding where the blaze originated on the ferry or whether any mechanical fault or other factors may have contributed to the incident. The identities of those who died have also not yet been officially disclosed.

Indonesia, an archipelago comprising more than 17,000 islands, relies heavily on ferry transport for connecting its islands, making maritime safety a critical concern. However, ferry accidents remain relatively common due to factors such as overcrowding, adverse weather conditions and inadequate enforcement of safety regulations. Authorities have repeatedly introduced stricter safety measures following previous maritime disasters.

Emergency teams remain engaged in rescue and recovery operations as authorities continue monitoring the situation. The government has pledged to provide assistance to the victims and their families while ensuring a thorough investigation into the incident. Officials said further updates on the number of casualties and the progress of the search operation will be released as more information becomes available.

Also Read: Building Collapses During Repair Work Near Mumbai, Five Dead And Many Trapped