Ferry caught fire near Madura — five dead, 41 missing, 225 rescued

At least five people have been killed and 41 are still listed as missing after a fire broke out on a ferry near the island of Madura today, the national search and rescue agency said. The ferry was carrying a total of 271 passengers and crew members, of whom 225 had been rescued by the afternoon.

Search and rescue operation continues

The ferry was sailing from Surabaya, in East Java province, to the city of Makassar in South Sulawesi when a fire broke out this morning. It is not yet known how the fire started, and authorities said the search and rescue operation is still ongoing.

So far 225 people have been rescued, 41 have been reported missing, and at least five have been confirmed dead.

The island of Madura is located off the northeastern coast of Java; the incident occurred in waters alongside the island, which complicated early evacuation and rescue efforts.

Local and national teams continue to work to locate those missing and to provide assistance to survivors. Further information on the cause of the fire and possible changes to the casualty figures is expected.

Photo: Printscreen /