Panic erupted off the coast of Indonesia when a passenger ferry carrying around 300 people caught fire mid-voyage, forcing terrified travelers to leap into the sea to escape the flames.
The incident occurred near one of Indonesia’s busy inter-island routes, a lifeline for locals and tourists alike. Eyewitnesses described a sudden burst of thick smoke rising from the vessel’s engine area before flames quickly spread across the decks.
“People were screaming and rushing for life jackets. Some didn’t wait—they just jumped straight into the water,” one survivor told local media. Videos shared on social platforms showed desperate passengers plunging into the sea as fire engulfed the ferry.
Rescue efforts were launched immediately, with the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) dispatching ships and helicopters to the scene. Nearby fishing boats and private vessels also rushed to assist, pulling people from the water. Officials confirmed that the majority of passengers had been evacuated, though a full headcount is still underway.
Initial reports suggest that dozens have been treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether there are fatalities, but the scale of the incident has raised fears of significant casualties.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, though mechanical failure in the engine room is suspected. Ferry accidents are not uncommon in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands where water transport remains a primary mode of travel. Concerns over safety standards, overcrowding, and maintenance have long plagued the country’s ferry system.
Local officials said emergency shelters have been prepared for survivors, and families of passengers have been gathering at ports, anxiously awaiting updates. “I just want my daughter to come home safe,” one parent told reporters, clutching her phone for news.
International maritime safety organizations have once again called for stricter enforcement of fire safety protocols and regular inspections of ferries operating in Southeast Asia. The tragedy underscores the vulnerabilities of sea travel in the region and the urgent need for stronger safety measures.
As night fell, rescue operations continued, with authorities vowing to account for every passenger and crew member. For many of those on board, the terrifying ordeal will be a lasting reminder of both the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance at sea.