At least five people have died and 41 remain missing after a ferry caught fire off the coast of Madura island in Indonesia, according to the country’s search and rescue agency cited by Reuters. The vessel was carrying 271 passengers and crew members when the disaster struck.
Search and Rescue Operations Off Madura Island
Indonesian rescue teams have recovered 225 survivors following the sudden blaze aboard the ferry, according to official figures released Sunday. Authorities confirmed that the search and rescue effort remains active in the waters surrounding Madura, which lies just off the northeastern coast of Java.
Footage and photographs captured at the scene show thick plumes of black smoke billowing from the stricken vessel while fire engulfs parts of the structure. Rescuers continue to comb the area for the 41 individuals still unaccounted for.
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Ferry Route and Incident Details
The ill-fated vessel departed from Surabaya in the East Java province and was heading toward Makassar on Sulawesi island when the fire broke out Sunday morning, according to government statements. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown as investigators begin their inquiries into the incident.
Status of Foreign Nationals
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it currently has no information indicating that any Norwegian citizens are involved in the maritime accident, according to senior advisor Cecilie Roang in an email to VG.
“We are in contact with our embassy in Jakarta, which is working to map the situation and is investigating whether Norwegian citizens are affected,” Roang wrote to VG.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the ferry traveling?
The ferry was traveling from Surabaya in East Java to Makassar on the island of Sulawesi, according to official reports.
How many people were on board the vessel?
According to the search and rescue agency, there were 271 passengers and crew members on board.
What caused the fire?
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined by authorities.
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