A fire engulfed an Indonesian passenger ferry off the coast of Java, resulting in at least five deaths and numerous missing persons, according to local officials. The incident occurred on Sunday, with the vessel carrying 271 people caught fire in the waters near Surabaya, Indonesia. Rescuers and nearby vessels worked swiftly to evacuate hundreds of passengers from the burning ship.
Emergency services reported that the blaze was severe, forcing evacuation efforts to continue throughout the night. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Initial reports suggest that the ferry was en route to a nearby island when the fire broke out.
Authorities have confirmed the number of casualties, though the exact count of missing individuals is still pending. Multiple vessels assisted in the rescue operation, highlighting the coordination among local and international maritime resources.
The incident has raised concerns about maritime safety in the region. Officials have pledged to conduct a thorough review of the ferry’s safety protocols. (winnipegfreepress.com)
