The passenger ferry KMP Mutiara Sentosa II caught fire while sailing in the waters north of Sumenep, Madura, on Sunday, 2 August 2026, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving multiple commercial vessels and search and rescue authorities.
The ferry was operating its regular Surabaya–Makassar route when the blaze broke out at approximately 6:00–7:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB).
According to the latest update from the joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team on Monday morning, 3 August, a total of 234 people had been evacuated. Of those, 229 survived while five people lost their lives.
The incident drew national attention after videos circulated online showing thick black smoke billowing from the vessel as passengers wearing life jackets gathered on the deck while awaiting rescue.
Hundreds Evacuated as Rescue Operation Continues
Following reports of the fire, nearby vessels immediately responded to assist those on board. The ships involved in the evacuation included TB Hasnur 26, KMP British Mentor, KM Meratus Project 3, KM Transco Arafura, KM Prakarsa Mas, KM SC Aila XVII and KM Meratus Pematang Siantar. The Sumenep Search and Rescue Post also deployed its RIB 01 rigid inflatable boat to the scene.
Meanwhile, the Surabaya Search and Rescue Office dispatched KN SAR Permadi, which was expected to reach the location after an estimated six-hour journey.
Azwar Anas, Head of the Kalianget Class IV Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP), confirmed the incident.
“It’s true that there was a fire this morning on a passenger ship en route from Surabaya to Makassar,” said Azwar Anas, Head of the Kalianget Class IV Harbormaster and Port Authority Office (KSOP), as quoted from Detiknews.
As the fire spread, some passengers were forced to jump into the sea before being rescued by nearby vessels.
Nanang Sigit, Head of the Surabaya Search and Rescue Office, said information received from ships operating in the area indicated that many passengers initially remained on the bridge and at the bow before some decided to abandon the vessel.
“Some passengers jumped overboard and were evacuated by the TB Hasnur 26 and the British Mentor. Four ships were docked nearby,” Nanang said.
The rescue operation prioritised passengers who remained aboard the ferry as well as those already in the water. SAR teams coordinated closely with nearby commercial ships to ensure victims were transferred safely.
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Communication Lost with Captain as Authorities Coordinate Response
Initial notification of the fire was received directly from the ship’s captain through the ferry operator. However, communication was lost shortly after the emergency report was made.
“The shipping company received information from the captain that the ship was on fire off the northern tip of Madura around 6:00–7:00 a.m. Western Indonesian Time, and after that, the captain could not be contacted again,” Nanang said.
The loss of communication added further challenges to the emergency response. The Surabaya Search and Rescue Office subsequently coordinated with the Tanjung Perak Harbormaster, the Sumenep Search and Rescue Post and the Kalianget Coastal Radio Station (SROP) to determine the vessel’s location and deploy additional rescue assets.
By 3:15 p.m. WIB on Sunday, authorities reported that 222 people had been evacuated, with 218 confirmed safe. Rescue efforts continued throughout the day and into Monday morning as additional ships transported survivors towards East Java.
According to Nanang, the latest confirmed figures on Monday morning showed that 234 victims had been evacuated, comprising 229 survivors and five fatalities. The figures were verified following confirmation from every vessel participating in the operation.
Three ships, KM Ferindo 1, Selaras Mas and KRI Nala-363, were still transporting additional evacuees to Surabaya on Monday morning.
As of Monday morning, 122 survivors had arrived safely at Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya and Kalianget Port in Sumenep, while authorities continued coordinating the arrival of the remaining evacuees and further response efforts.
