Ferry Inferno: Passengers Jump Into Sea as Indonesian Ship Catches Fire

At least five people have been killed and dozens remain missing following a catastrophic fire aboard an Indonesian passenger ferry carrying 271 people. The blaze broke out whilst the vessel was at sea, forcing passengers into desperate circumstances as the ship became engulfed in flames. Survivors described harrowing scenes of chaos and panic as the emergency unfolded on the water.

Footage from the incident shows terrified passengers crowded onto the vessel’s bow and bridge area, many wearing life jackets as they awaited rescue. Some passengers were forced to jump into the sea to escape the advancing flames, whilst others spent hours waiting for evacuation. Rescue teams scrambled to reach the stricken ferry and pull survivors from the water.

The fire spread rapidly through the ship, overwhelming initial firefighting efforts. Authorities launched a major search and rescue operation to locate the missing passengers and crew members. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, though initial reports suggest the blaze started in the engine room area.

The incident has reignited safety concerns regarding ferry operations in Indonesia, where maritime disasters have claimed hundreds of lives in recent years. Investigators are expected to examine the vessel’s safety procedures, maintenance records and crew training protocols as part of their inquiry into what caused the disaster.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.