At least five people have died and 41 are missing after a ferry carrying 271 passengers and crew caught fire off the coast of Indonesia's Madura island, officials have said.
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Key facts
- At least five people are confirmed dead.
- 41 people are reported missing.
- The ferry was carrying 271 passengers and crew.
- The fire broke out off Madura island as the vessel sailed east from Java.
- The incident took place in Indonesia's Java Sea.
At least five people have died and 41 remain missing after a ferry caught fire off the coast of Indonesia, officials have said, according to reports from Al Jazeera, the BBC and Sky News.
The vessel was carrying 271 passengers and crew members when the blaze broke out as it sailed eastwards from Java, according to Al Jazeera. Sky News reported that officials confirmed at least five deaths and 41 people missing.
The fire happened off Madura island, the BBC reported. Al Jazeera described the incident as taking place in Indonesia’s Java Sea.
Early reporting varied on the exact number of people aboard, with the BBC initially citing at least 250 people on board before later reports put the figure at 271, consistent with Al Jazeera’s account.
The available sources did not specify the cause of the fire, the identity of the vessel or the progress of any rescue and recovery operations at the time of reporting.
Authorities have confirmed the casualty figures, but details on the missing passengers and the response effort had not been released in the sources reviewed.
Why it matters
Ferries are a vital form of transport across Indonesia's many islands, and accidents at sea can carry a heavy human toll. With dozens still missing, the outcome of search efforts will determine the full scale of this disaster.
Frequently asked questions
How many people were on the ferry?
The ferry was carrying 271 passengers and crew members, according to Al Jazeera, though the BBC initially reported at least 250 people on board.
Where did the fire happen?
The fire broke out off Madura island as the vessel sailed eastwards from Java, in Indonesia's Java Sea, according to the sources.
How many casualties have been confirmed?
Officials have confirmed at least five people dead and 41 missing, according to Sky News, the BBC and Al Jazeera.
Timeline
- Deadly ferry fire leaves dozens missing in Indonesia’s Java Sea
Al Jazeera: Deadly ferry fire leaves dozens missing in Indonesia's Java Sea
- At least five dead, 41 missing after ferry catches fire off Indonesia
Al Jazeera: The ship was carrying 271 passengers and crew members when the blaze broke out as it sailed eastwards from Java.
- Five dead and 41 missing after Indonesia ferry catches fire
BBC World: The vessel with at least 250 people on board caught fire off Madura island.
- At least five dead and 41 missing after Indonesian ferry catches fire
Sky News: At least five people have died and 41 are missing after a ferry caught fire off the coast of an Indonesian island, officials have said.
- At least five dead and dozens missing after Indonesian ferry catches fire
Sky News: At least five people have died and 41 are missing after a ferry caught fire off the coast of an Indonesian island, officials have said.
- Five dead, 41 missing, after Indonesia ferry catches fire
BBC World: The vessel with 271 people on board caught fire off Madura island.