Facts About the KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 Fire: Evacuation Process and Casualties
A massive fire engulfed the passenger ferry KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2, which was serving the Surabaya-Makassar route, in the waters north of Madura on Monday (3/8/2026). The incident triggered panic among the hundreds of passengers on board and resulted in fatalities. The fire is estimated to have occurred between 06:00 and 07:00 WIB at coordinates 06°30’64’’ S and 114°00’19’’ E, approximately 19 nautical miles north of Sapudi Island, Sumenep Regency.
The ship’s operator, PT Atosim Lampung Pelayaran (ALP), received initial information about the fire from the captain. However, communication with the captain was subsequently lost, leaving the situation on the ground temporarily unknown. An official report of the fire was received by the Surabaya Search and Rescue Office duty officer from the Tanjung Perak Harbour Master at 08:24 WIB, followed by confirmation from PT ALP at 08:25 WIB.
According to official manifest data from the East Java Police’s Water and Air Unit, KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 was carrying a total of 232 people, consisting of 219 drivers and assistants and 13 adult passengers. The vessel was also transporting 181 vehicles, including 15 motorcycles, 25 small cars, 6 medium trucks, 103 large trucks, 31 tronton trucks, and one piece of heavy equipment.
Around 09:45 WIB, a report from the nearby Meratus Project 3 vessel indicated that the KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 was almost completely burned. Amateur video footage showed passengers crowded onto the bridge and bow of the ship to escape the flames and thick black smoke, with some forced to jump into the sea. Passing ships in the area quickly coordinated to provide assistance. The Meratus Project 3 could not approach directly due to its cargo of flammable and hazardous materials but assisted with communication coordination. Tugboats TB Hasnur 26 and British Mentor were the first to approach and evacuate passengers, while KM Mutiara Ferindo 1 diverted its course to Banyuwangi to assist.
A joint search and rescue team, including the Surabaya Search and Rescue Office, Sumenep Search and Rescue Post, Tanjung Perak Harbour Master, Kalianget SROP, Kalianget KSOP, and the East Java Police’s Water and Air Unit, deployed assets such as KN SAR 249 Permadi to the scene. By 17:00 WIB, a total of 232 victims had been evacuated by nine rescue vessels, with 227 survivors and 5 confirmed fatalities.
An emotional scene unfolded as the survivors arrived at Gapura Surya Nusantara Port, where they were immediately given medical treatment. Children and elderly passengers were seen being carried or evacuated using wheelchairs. Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi visited the port to inspect the condition of the victims and expressed his deep condolences over the loss of life. He stated that data matching for the deceased and survivors would be carried out in stages as evacuation ships arrived to ensure the exact number of people on board and those rescued.