Indonesia: Indonesian authorities confirmed the successful evacuation of over 560 passengers from a ferry that caught fire at sea on Monday, marking one of the country’s most extensive maritime rescue operations in recent years. The vessel, which was en route between islands in central Indonesia, experienced the fire while cruising in open waters, prompting immediate distress signals and a swift response from local rescue agencies.
The fire, which reportedly began in the engine room, spread quickly through parts of the vessel, forcing many passengers to jump into the sea. Emergency teams from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), supported by local fishermen and nearby vessels, coordinated a complex operation to save as many people as possible, using lifeboats and helicopters to retrieve those stranded in the water.
Tragically, three people were confirmed dead, with initial reports indicating they succumbed to smoke inhalation or drowning during the evacuation process. Several others sustained injuries ranging from burns to fractures and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The identities of the deceased have not yet been publicly released.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are underway, with maritime safety authorities emphasizing the need for improved safety protocols aboard ferries in the region. Indonesia has a long history of ferry incidents due to overcapacity and lax enforcement of safety measures, and officials have vowed to hold the ferry operator accountable if negligence is found.
