Update on KMP Mutiara Sentosa: Hundreds Evacuated, Five Dead

Five passengers have been confirmed dead following a fire on the passenger ferry KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2 in the waters north of Sumenep, Madura, on Sunday morning. The update was provided after joint rescue teams evacuated a total of 236 people by 9:00 PM local time, with 231 survivors and five fatalities recorded. The vessel, operated by PT Atosim Lampung Pelayaran, was en route from Surabaya to Makassar carrying 275 passengers and crew, along with hundreds of vehicles including 25 cars, 15 motorcycles, 140 trucks, and one unit of heavy machinery. A group of 111 survivors and two deceased arrived at Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya early Monday morning aboard the Meratus Pematang Siantar, a nearby vessel that assisted in the rescue. Medical teams at the port provided immediate health checks, with some survivors requiring intensive care and referral to nearby hospitals. An additional nine survivors were landed at Kalianget Port. The joint search and rescue operation, involving the Surabaya SAR Office, the Indonesian Navy, water police, and numerous nearby commercial vessels, continues to locate and evacuate the remaining passengers and crew. The vessel was reported to be almost completely burnt, with survivors gathered on the bridge and bow. Authorities are still coordinating the arrival of three more ships carrying evacuees to Surabaya.