Disaster in Indonesia: Deaths and dozens missing in ferry fire
At least five people were killed and 41 are missing following a fire on a ferry carrying approximately 250 passengers and crew. Rescue operations are ongoing.
At least five people were killed and 41 are still missing after a fire broke out early Sunday morning on a passenger ferry in Indonesia, according to the country's emergency services. The vessel, carrying about 250 passengers and crew members, was sailing from the island of Java toward another island when it caught fire in the open sea, forcing some passengers to jump into the water to escape the flames.
The captain reported the fire shortly after it began, and contact was lost shortly thereafter. Videos and photos from the scene show thick black smoke rising from the ferry, the ship tilting to one side, and passengers in life jackets crowding the deck, with some jumping into the water. Nearby vessels and ships summoned to the area rescued passengers from the sea.
Most of the passengers were rescued by ships that arrived at the scene, and rescue authorities are continuing the search for the missing. "We hope that everyone who was on board will be rescued safely," the local search and rescue office stated. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
