A massive search and rescue operation is underway in Indonesia after a passenger ferry carrying 271 people caught fire while crossing the Java Sea. Authorities say at least five people have died, 225 have been rescued, and 41 remain missing.

The ferry was traveling from Surabaya, East Java, to Makassar, South Sulawesi, when the captain reported flames onboard. Emergency responders, supported by nearby vessels, rushed to evacuate passengers as the ship burned. Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire while rescue teams continue searching for survivors.

Deadly Indonesia Ferry Blaze Sparks Major Search And Rescue Mission | Indonesia Ferry Fire

A passenger ferry carrying 271 people caught fire in the Java Sea while sailing from Surabaya in East Java to Makassar in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

According to Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), five people have been confirmed dead, while 41 remain missing as rescue operations continue. Emergency teams are working to evacuate passengers and crew after the vessel caught fire during its journey.

Authorities say the captain alerted the ferry company shortly after the blaze broke out, triggering a large-scale search and rescue mission involving multiple emergency agencies.

Indonesia Ferry Fire: 5 Dead, 41 Missing After Passenger Ferry Catches Fire in Java Sea

Indonesia and Australia have conducted a joint naval exercise off the coast of East Java, aimed at strengthening defense cooperation and improving maritime security. The drills, which involved naval ships, aircraft, and personnel from both countries, focused on enhancing interoperability and response capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Indonesia and Australia Conduct Joint Naval Exercise off East Java

Indonesia and Australia Hold Joint Naval Exercise in East Java

In Pics | Members of the Tengger sub-ethnic group celebrate Yadnya Kasada festival in Java

An Indonesian court on Thursday jailed two football match officials for negligence over one of the worst stadium disasters in the sport's history. The crush in October at a venue in the East Java city of Malang killed 135 people after police fired tear gas into packed stands when supporters invaded the pitch. Hundreds of people fled for narrow exits, resulting in a stampede that left many trampled and suffocated to death, including more than 40 children.

Abdul Haris, the head of the organising committee for the match, was found guilty of negligence and handed 18 months in prison. Prosecutors had sought a sentence of six years and eight months.

"The defendant did not read the situation and played down the possibility of an emergency situation or chaos," presiding judge Abu Achmad Sidqi Amsya told the court in the city of Surabaya.

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The verdict is Indonesia's first ruling on the tragedy. Moments later, security official Suko Sutrisno was also found guilty of negligence and sentenced to one year in prison. Prosecutors had also sought six years and eight months in his case.

The judge said Sutrisno "did not anticipate the chaos because there had never been an emergency situation before". He also "did not understand his job as a security official well", the judge added.

Cholifatul Noor, a mother who lost her 15-year-old son in the tragedy, said the sentence was too lenient and was hurtful to families of the victims.

"I am not satisfied with the verdict because this concerned many lives, not just the life of one or two people," she told local channel Metro TV tearfully.

A lawyer representing another family who lost two children told AFP that prosecutors must appeal.

"If they don't it will prove that justice is out of reach for the families," Imam Hidayat said.

Sutrisno's lawyer denied his client did not do his job properly and said he is an expert in his field who had been working in the profession since 2008.

The security official has previously said he did not have the authority to open the doors of the stadium when the crush took place.

Both men, dressed in white shirts in court, have seven days to appeal.

An Indonesian court on Thursday jailed two football match officials for negligence over one of the worst stadium disasters in the sport's history. The crush in October at a venue in the East Java city of Malang killed 135 people after police fired tear gas into packed stands when supporters invaded the pitch.

An Indonesian court on Thursday jailed two football match officials for negligence over one of the worst stadium disasters in the sport's history. The crush in October at a venue in the East Java city of Malang killed 135 people after police fired tear gas into packed stands when supporters invaded the pitch. Hundreds of people fled for narrow exits, resulting in a stampede that left many trampled and suffocated to death, including more than 40 children. Abdul Haris, the head of the organising committee for the match, was found guilty of negligence and handed 18 months in prison. Prosecutors had sought a sentence of six years and eight months. "The defendant did not read the situation and played down the possibility of an emergency situation or chaos," presiding judge Abu Achmad Sidqi Amsya told the court in the city of Surabaya. ALSO READ: BBC's Gary Lineker, former England striker, refuses to budge in conflict of ideals over refugees The verdict is Indonesia's first ruling on the tragedy. Moments later, security official Suko Sutrisno was also found guilty of negligence and sentenced to one year in prison. Prosecutors had also sought six years and eight months in his case. The judge said Sutrisno "did not anticipate the chaos because there had never been an emergency situation before". He also "did not understand his job as a security official well", the judge added. Cholifatul Noor, a mother who lost her 15-year-old son in the tragedy, said the sentence was too lenient and was hurtful to families of the victims. "I am not satisfied with the verdict because this concerned many lives, not just the life of one or two people," she told local channel Metro TV tearfully. A lawyer representing another family who lost two children told AFP that prosecutors must appeal. "If they don't it will prove that justice is out of reach for the families," Imam Hidayat said. Sutrisno's lawyer denied his client did not do his job properly and said he is an expert in his field who had been working in the profession since 2008. The security official has previously said he did not have the authority to open the doors of the stadium when the crush took place. Both men, dressed in white shirts in court, have seven days to appeal.

Indonesian court jails two officials for negligence over stampede that killed 135 people

A stampede at a stadium in East Java province of Indonesia after a football match killed 125 people and left many injured besides loss of property. Indonesian president called for an investigation and put further matches on halt.

Indonesia Football Tragedy: 125 killed in stampede at Indonesia football match

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