16 killed in Indonesian ferry fire

Aerial footage showed flames and heavy black smoke pouring from the 27-year-old ferry as authorities launched a massive rescue operation, plucking 275 survivors from the Java Sea and the ship’s charred hull.

A cargo hand said a woman handed him her 18-month-old baby and then jumped overboard.

“I tried to scale a rope, but was knocked into the water by a falling passenger, still clutching the baby,” said Heru, 29. “I swam to a water cooler and then spotted the mother clinging to another cooler nearby.

“The baby was crying and she insisted I hand over the child,” he said, adding that 15 minutes later, large waves pulled them both under. “Now they’re gone. I still haven’t seen them.”

Two warships, three helicopters, a tug boat and nine cargo ships were taking part in the rescue operations, scouring surrounding waters for more survivors, said Hambar Wiyadi, another port official.

Transportation Minister Hatta Rajasa told el-Shinta radio 15 bodies were recovered and that at least 275 people were rescued.

Rajasa said the ferry was carrying 300 passengers, but the ship’s log indicated 228 passengers, 42 trucks and eight cars were on board. Tallies are often incomplete and boats overloaded.