In a gripping tale of human endurance, a passenger aboard an Indonesian ferry survived a terrifying 11-hour ordeal at sea after the vessel caught fire and sank. Clinging to a rope for dear life, the unnamed individual was among the few rescued following the disaster, which has left many others missing.
The ferry, carrying dozens of passengers, erupted in flames off the coast of Indonesia, prompting a frantic evacuation. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as thick smoke billowed from the ship, forcing people to leap into the water.
The survivor's ordeal began when they found themselves stranded in the open ocean, battling exhaustion and the elements. Rescuers later spotted them clinging to debris, dehydrated but alive. Authorities continue to search for other passengers amid fears of rising casualties.
"It was a miracle," said one rescue worker. "The currents were strong, and the water was cold. Surviving that long is extraordinary."
This tragedy highlights ongoing safety concerns in Indonesia's ferry network, where overcrowding and lax regulations have led to previous disasters. Officials vow to investigate the cause of the fire, as grieving families await news of their loved ones.
