Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Indonesian Ferry Fire Leaves 5 Dead, 41 Missing
A ferry called KM Mutiara Sentosa was traveling from Surabaya to Makassar when it caught fire.
The fire made the ship sink, and many people jumped into the sea to stay alive.
Rescue teams from the coast, navy, and police worked for days to find everyone.
Five people died, 41 are still missing, and about 225 were rescued.
The exact reason for the fire is still unknown, but officials say the ship had flammable material that made it dangerous.
The KM Mutiara Sentosa ferry caught fire off Madura Island on Sunday, August 2, 2024.
Five passengers were confirmed dead and 41 remain missing, while 225 were rescued.
Rescue operations involved the National Search and Rescue Agency, the navy, and police, using boats and a helicopter.
The cause of the fire is unclear; flammable material on the vessel was cited as a risk factor.
The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns for Indonesia’s extensive ferry network.
- Who
- Passengers, crew, and rescue agencies
- What
- A ferry caught fire and sank
- When
- Sunday, August 2, 2024
- Where
- Off Madura Island, near Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
- Why
- Cause remains unclear; flammable material on board was cited as a risk
- Vessel
- KM Mutiara Sentosa
- Passengers on board
- 271
- Confirmed deaths
- 5
- Missing passengers
- 41
- Rescued passengers
- 225
- Date of incident
- Sunday, August 2, 2024
- Location
- Off Madura Island, East Java, Indonesia
