Four tourists were seriously injured when a speedboat caught fire in Indonesia.

The Sorenbon Speedboat on tour departed from Terima Kasih Homestay towards Wayag waters, Raja Ampat Regency, when the incident occurred on Wednesday, February 19.

It was carrying 11 passengers, seven of whom were foreign nationals and four were Indonesian.

Upon reaching Gam Island, the watercraft struck a floating pile of garbage. However, after the debris was cleared a few minutes later, the vessel caught fire.

Raja Ampat Police Chief AKBP I Gusti Gde Raka Mertayasa, through Head of Intelligence Unit Ipda Susilo, said: 'Seeing the flames grow larger, the speedboat passengers immediately jumped into the water and were rescued by residents who witnessed the incident.'

Footage shows a plume of smoke rising from the watercraft, with locals desperately trying to douse it with buckets of water.

Two holidaymakers from Hungary and another pair from Bulgaria were rushed to the Yenbekwan Village Health Centre for first aid before being referred to the Raja Ampat Regional Hospital.

Another pair of tour guides also suffered burns to their hands and feet.

The police added: 'The victims suffered varying degrees of burns, some on their legs, hands, head, and shoulders.'

Initial reports suggested that a short circuit likely caused the flames.

In another incident, a speedboat fire killed at least five people off the coast of North Maluku province on October 12.

Local politician Benny Laos and some of his supporters were on board.

Abdul Muis Uma Ternate from the disaster management agency said the boat had been anchored at a seaport in Taliabu Regency, refuelling before continuing its journey for the campaign.

He said: 'Five people have been killed, nine others injured and some other people remain inside the boat as they have been trapped.'