FERRY FIRE IN INDONESIA KILLS AT LEAST 3, INCLUDING A PREGNANT WOMAN
A tragic fire broke out aboard a passenger ferry in eastern Indonesia on Tuesday, killing at least three people, including a pregnant woman, and injuring several others, according to local authorities. The ferry, identified as KM Mutiara Berkah 1, was carrying over 200 passengers and crew members when the blaze erupted off the coast of Central Sulawesi.
The fire reportedly started in the engine room shortly after the vessel departed from Gorontalo port, en route to Balikpapan in East Kalimantan. Passengers described scenes of panic and chaos as thick black smoke spread rapidly throughout the lower decks, forcing many to jump overboard to escape the flames. Some survivors clung to debris or life rafts until rescue teams arrived.
Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) officials confirmed that the bodies of two women — one of whom was pregnant — and a male passenger were recovered from the charred remains of the ferry. At least 15 others sustained injuries, mostly from burns and smoke inhalation, and have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Captain Rudi Santoso of BASARNAS said in a press briefing, “The fire spread quickly, and our teams responded immediately after receiving distress signals. We managed to evacuate most of the passengers, but unfortunately, three lives were lost. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.”
Initial reports suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault or fuel leak in the engine room, though a full investigation is now underway. Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has ordered a thorough review of the vessel’s safety certifications and maintenance history. “We must ensure that such tragedies do not happen again. Passenger safety is our top priority,” he said.
The Indonesian government has long struggled with maritime safety, especially in the sprawling archipelago where ferries serve as a vital mode of transportation between islands. Overcrowding, aging vessels, and poor maintenance have contributed to a series of maritime disasters in recent years. Despite efforts to strengthen regulations, enforcement remains inconsistent in remote areas.
Eyewitnesses aboard the ferry recounted the terrifying moments when the fire broke out. “People were screaming and running. The smoke was choking us. I jumped into the water with my two children — we didn’t have time to grab anything,” said Rina, a survivor from Gorontalo. “We are lucky to be alive.”
Emergency responders, supported by the navy and local fishermen, managed to evacuate most of the passengers to safety. Search operations continue in the surrounding waters to ensure no one remains missing.
This latest incident has renewed calls from safety advocates for better oversight of Indonesia’s ferry services. “Every ferry should be subject to rigorous checks before setting sail,” said Andi Gunawan, a maritime safety expert. “Lives are at stake every time corners are cut.”
As families mourn the victims and survivors recover from their injuries and trauma, authorities are under increasing pressure to act decisively. For many Indonesians who rely on ferries for daily travel, this tragedy is a grim reminder of the dangers that persist on the country’s waters.