5 dead, 41 missing after Indonesian ferry catches fire, authorities say
A search-and-rescue operation is still ongoing, as 225 out of 271 passengers have been rescued
Rescue officers prepare for a search and rescue operation after a deadly fire on a ferry, which caught fire off Indonesia's Madura island, in Surabaya, East Java province, Indonesia, Aug 2, 2026. National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS)/Handout via REUTERS
Published :
02 Aug 2026, 10:42 PM
Updated :
08 Sep 2026, 09:29 AM
At least five people were killed, and 41 were still missing on Sunday after a ferry caught fire off Indonesia's Madura island, the country's search and rescue agency said in a statement.
Below are the details:
- The ferry was carrying 271 passengers and crew members, 225 of whom have been rescued, according to agency data on Sunday afternoon.
- A search-and-rescue operation was still ongoing, it added.
- The ferry was heading from Surabaya in East Java province to Makassar city in South Sulawesi.
- It was unclear how the ferry caught fire, but the incident occurred on Sunday morning, the statement said.
- Madura island is located off the northeastern coast of Java.
