{
  "id": 39009,
  "title": "Five dead and 41 missing after Indonesian ferry catches fire, authorities say",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/five-dead-and-41-missing-after-indonesian-ferry-catches-fire",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-02T09:26:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/2026/08/02/five-dead-and-41-missing-as-indonesian-ferry-catches-fire-authorities-say/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "At least five people lost their lives and 41 others remain missing following a ferry fire off Indonesia's Madura island, according to the country's search and rescue agency. Local reports indicate the ferry, carrying approximately 250 passengers and crew members, caught fire, triggering a massive rescue operation. The vessel, named Mutiara Sentosa 2, was en route from Surabaya to Makassar when the captain reported the blaze, several hours into the journey.\n\nThe incident unfolded north of the Sapudi Islands, with initial reports suggesting 250 individuals were onboard. Nanang Sigit, head of the Surabaya Search and Rescue Office, confirmed the fire's location and passenger count. Intense black smoke billowed from the ship as rescue efforts persisted. The cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time.\n\nAuthorities stated that evacuating passengers and cargo to rescue vessels was underway. As of 11:20 AM local time, around 40 individuals were still on board the ferry while evacuation efforts continued. Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation emphasized the paramount importance of passenger and crew safety, coordinating with all pertinent agencies to ensure a swift and secure evacuation process.\n\nFerries are a common mode of transportation in Indonesia, home to over 17,000 islands. However, accidents are not uncommon due to frequent instances of overcrowding and insufficient safety equipment.",
  "summary": "At least five people died and 41 were missing after a ferry caught fire off Indonesia's Madura island, the country's search and rescue agency said on Sunday. Local media reported that the ferry was carrying about 250 passengers and crew when it caught fire, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving several vessels. The Mutiara Sentosa 2 had departed a port in Surabaya, and was heading…",
  "key_points": [
    "At least five people dead, 41 missing after ferry fire off Madura island.",
    "Mutiara Sentosa 2 ferry carrying 250 passengers and crew caught fire.",
    "Rescue operation underway, cause of fire undetermined."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Sky News",
        "title": "At least five dead and 41 missing after Indonesian ferry catches fire",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/at-least-five-dead-and-41-missing-after-indonesian-ferry-catches-fire",
        "published": "2026-08-02T10:05:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Five dead, 41 missing after Indonesian ferry catches fire",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/five-dead-41-missing-after-indonesian-ferry-catches-fire",
        "published": "2026-08-02T10:09:43.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Antara News Indonesia",
        "title": "Indonesian govt deploys patrol ships after ferry fire kills five",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/indonesian-govt-deploys-patrol-ships-after-ferry-fire-kills-five",
        "published": "2026-08-03T00:54:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "VnExpress International",
        "title": "5 killed, 41 missing after Indonesian passenger vessel fire",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/5-killed-41-missing-after-indonesian-passenger-vessel-fire",
        "published": "2026-08-03T04:42:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}