Aug. 2 (UPI) -- At least five people were killed and 41 remain missing after a ferry carrying hundreds of people caught fire off the coast of Indonesia's Madura Island on Sunday, officials said.
Thick smoke was seen billowing from the passenger vessel KMP Mutiara Sentosa 2, which was carrying 271 passengers and crew.
The ferry's captain reported the fire as the vessel traveled from Surabaya to Makassar about 6 a.m. local time.
Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency said survivors were rescued by a number of vessels that had been in the area, the Jakarta Globe reported.
Search and rescue efforts continued throughout the day. The ferry was still smoking by mid-afternoon, the Globe reported.
Victims were taken to three area hospitals for medical evaluation.
"Our main focus is on rescuing the victims and ensuring they receive the best possible care upon their arrival on land," Sumenepe Police Chief Ariek Indra Sentanu told iNews. "The TNI, Polri, and district government are working together in the field."
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, officials said.