PASSENGER FERRY IN INDONESIA CATCHES FIRE AT SEA, KILLING AT LEAST 5
A tragic incident unfolded off the coast of eastern Indonesia when a passenger ferry caught fire at sea, killing at least five people and leaving several others injured or missing. The ferry, identified as KM Umsini, was en route from Timor Island to Makassar, a major port city in South Sulawesi, when the fire broke out early in the morning on July 21, 2025.
According to Indonesian authorities, the ferry was carrying over 200 passengers and crew when the blaze started. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest that it may have been triggered by an electrical short circuit in the engine room. The flames quickly spread to other parts of the vessel, prompting panic among passengers.
Eyewitness accounts described scenes of chaos as thick black smoke engulfed the upper decks and passengers scrambled to reach lifeboats. Many were forced to jump into the sea to escape the inferno. The Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) responded swiftly, dispatching rescue boats and helicopters to evacuate those stranded at sea. Local fishermen also assisted in pulling survivors from the water.
Authorities confirmed that five people died in the incident, with their bodies recovered from the burned remains of the ship and surrounding waters. At least 15 people suffered injuries, including burns and smoke inhalation, and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The number of missing individuals remains uncertain, with search operations continuing in the area.
Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and pledged a full investigation. “This is a devastating incident. We are committed to finding the root cause and ensuring safety measures are strengthened to prevent such disasters in the future,” he said during a press conference.
Indonesia, an archipelagic nation with over 17,000 islands, relies heavily on ferries for transportation. However, the country has a history of maritime accidents due to aging vessels, poor safety standards, and overcrowding. This latest tragedy once again highlights the urgent need for stricter maritime regulations and enforcement.
Survivors have begun recounting their harrowing experiences, with many saying they received little guidance from the crew during the fire. “There were screams everywhere, and people were jumping into the sea. It was chaos,” said one survivor who was rescued by a fishing boat.
As the nation mourns the lives lost, questions are being raised about the ferry’s compliance with safety protocols and its maintenance history. Maritime officials have vowed to examine whether the ferry was carrying more passengers than allowed and if proper fire prevention equipment was available and functional.
The incident has triggered public outrage and calls for the government to overhaul the nation’s maritime safety system. For now, search and rescue operations remain a priority, with hopes fading for those still unaccounted for. Families of the victims are demanding accountability and justice, as Indonesia grapples with yet another avoidable sea disaster.