Survivors describe chaotic moments during ferry blaze
Based on reports, a married couple identified as Ari Hidayat and Denik Rohana managed to survive after the KM Mutiara Sentosa 2 caught fire in the northern waters of Sumenep Regency in Madura on Sunday, August 2, 2026. Citing reports from the emergency post at Tanjung Perak Port in Surabaya, the victims detailed how they drifted in open water for over an hour before a passing tanker rescued them. According to official accounts, the disaster has left two companions missing alongside seven horses that were being transported to Makassar, South Sulawesi.
Denik Rohana stated that the harrowing ordeal began at approximately 6:00 AM when she woke up and noticed thick smoke rising from the lower levels of the vessel. According to her testimony, she immediately alerted her husband, Ari, who was downstairs tending to seven horses loaded inside a vehicle on the car deck. Citing her statements to authorities, the initial source of the fire appeared to originate from a truck, though the exact cargo details remain unconfirmed as flames quickly spread across the lower compartments.
As the situation escalated, crew members began shouting urgent warnings throughout the ship while passengers scrambled for safety. Ari Hidayat explained that no formal electronic alarm system sounded during the incident, leaving the crew's verbal shouts as the primary alert mechanism for the hundreds of panicked travelers on board. According to reports, passengers were directed toward the open bow deck at the front of the ship as intense heat enveloped the surrounding structural areas.
"Awal kejadian itu, saya bangun tidur, ternyata sudah ada asap di bawah," Denik said, describing the sudden realization of danger. Citing further details from the couple, passengers were eventually ordered to abandon ship into the sea as conditions deteriorated rapidly by early afternoon. Both Ari and Denik took the leap into the ocean, where strong currents separated them from several other travelers before the tanker rescue occurred.
Mounting financial losses and ongoing search for missing crew
Beyond the immediate survival trauma, the incident has brought severe financial devastation to the affected families who relied on the commercial shipment. Ari Hidayat confirmed that the seven horses they were escorting to a buyer in Makassar perished in the flames alongside the transport vehicle. According to estimates provided by the owner, the total financial loss resulting from the destroyed vehicle and livestock has reached approximately 300 million rupiah.
Citing reports from the survivors, the livestock was fully registered with official manifest documents and quarantine clearance prior to departure. Ari expressed hope that authorities might consider compensation options for the registered property lost during the maritime disaster, although uncertainty remains regarding standard liability rules. According to statements gathered at the Surabaya emergency post, surviving passengers received immediate medical attention for cramps and smoke inhalation upon arrival late Sunday night.
The primary concern for the couple centers on the safety and whereabouts of their two missing colleagues who helped manage the animals during transit. Trala and Ferdi remain unaccounted for as rescue teams continue coordinated sweeps across the northern Madura waters to locate missing individuals. Citing family statements, obtaining clear information on the missing crew members takes precedence over all other recovery concerns at this stage.
"Ya untuk sementara ini kan kita kepengin tahu di mana kan teman itu," Ari stated, emphasizing that locating his missing coworkers is his main priority. According to ongoing investigations, maritime authorities are reviewing safety protocols and emergency responses aboard the vessel to determine the exact technical failure that triggered the catastrophic vehicle fire.
