Indonesia ferry fire leaves 5 dead and 39 missing off Madura
What's new: Rescuers pulled 227 people from the ship after flames spread rapidly on a route from Surabaya to Makassar.
At least five people died and 39 were missing after the passenger ferry KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 caught fire off Madura island during a trip from Surabaya to Makassar, Indonesian rescue officials said. Basarnas said the vessel was carrying 271 people, including 232 passengers and 39 crew, when the fire broke out between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. near Sumenep regency. Videos showed thick smoke pouring from the ship as passengers in life jackets gathered on deck and some jumped into the sea. Nearby vessels, including a tugboat and passing ships, helped evacuate survivors. By Sunday evening, 227 passengers and crew had been rescued. The cause was under investigation.