UPDATE: A devastating fire aboard the ferry KM Barcelona 5 has tragically claimed at least five lives and left dozens in peril off the coast of Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. The incident unfolded as the ferry, carrying over 280 passengers and crew, was en route to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, from the Talaud Islands.
Rescue operations are currently underway, with authorities confirming that three navy ships have been dispatched to the scene. As of now, 284 individuals have been successfully rescued, thanks in part to the heroic efforts of local fishermen who assisted survivors drifting in the turbulent waters.
Videos released by the National Search and Rescue Agency depict the chaos onboard, with terrified passengers, many donning life jackets, jumping into the sea as flames and thick black smoke engulfed the vessel. Among the deceased is a pregnant woman, intensifying the tragedy of this maritime disaster.
Vice Admiral Denih Hendrata stated, “We are still focusing on evacuation efforts,” while expressing that the investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing. There are currently no reports of additional injuries, but the exact number of people onboard remains undetermined.
This incident comes on the heels of a series of maritime disasters in Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands where ferry travel is commonplace. Just earlier this month, a ferry sank near Bali, resulting in at least 19 fatalities and 16 missing. Such tragedies often stem from inadequate safety enforcement, raising urgent questions about marine safety regulations.
As rescue efforts continue, authorities urge anyone with information about missing individuals to come forward. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as they emerge. Stay tuned for more details as this story develops.
