Crew Member Testifies on KM Mutiara Fire: Blaze Originated from Burning Car

A crew member named Dwi Putro Suryo survived the fire tragedy aboard the KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 in the waters north of Madura. Dwi recounted the moments before the ferry was engulfed in flames.

Dwi was on board when the fire broke out. He stated that the fire first appeared from a car inside the vessel that suddenly caught fire.

"Initially, a car caught fire. When water was poured on it, the fire did not go out, so it spread," Suryo said, as quoted by detikJatim on Monday.

Suryo said he did not go down to help extinguish the fire at that time. According to him, the car was located at the front right section of the ship.

When the fire occurred, Suryo was preparing to have breakfast around 6:30 a.m. local time. Panic ensued as the fire suddenly grew and spread to other parts of the vessel.

Suryo attempted to save himself by descending from the ship using a rope. As a result, he suffered abrasions on the palms of his hands.

"I was tossed around at sea for about two and a half hours," he said.

Suryo is currently receiving treatment at the Kalianget Islamic Hospital in Sumenep along with three other survivors. His condition is reported to be improving, although he remains traumatised by the incident.