A devastating fire aboard the KM Barcelona 5 in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, has led to the deaths of at least three individuals. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns regarding ferry travel in the region.
Tragedy Strikes as Fire Claims Lives on Indonesian Passenger Ship
Tragedy Strikes as Fire Claims Lives on Indonesian Passenger Ship
The KM Barcelona 5 caught fire with over 200 passengers on board, resulting in at least three fatalities while rescue operations continue.
A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday morning as a fire broke out on the KM Barcelona 5, a passenger ship navigating the waters of North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Official reports indicate that at least three people have lost their lives, with the total number of casualties and injuries yet to be fully determined. The vessel was en route from the Talaud Islands to Manado, the provincial capital, when the fire ignited near Talise, as stated by Vice Adm. Denih Hendrata, the commander of the Indonesian Fleet Command.
Images shared by the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) show the intense scene, with thick black smoke enveloping the ship as rescue boats rushed to the site. Video footage released by BASARNAS depicted frightened passengers donning life jackets in the water, being hurriedly transported to safety by smaller craft.
While the rescue efforts involved at least two larger ships and inflatable vessels, the actual count of those rescued, injured, or missing remains unclear. As reported, approximately 280 passengers were aboard the KM Barcelona 5 at the time of the fire.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and details regarding the ship's operating company have not yet been disclosed. Incidents on ferries are unfortunately common in Indonesia, an extensive archipelago of over 17,000 islands where maritime travel is a primary means of transportation. Earlier this month, a separate tragedy off the coast of Bali resulted in five passengers dead and 29 missing after the KMT Tunu Pratama Jaya ferry sank.
As the nation reflects on this disaster, safety regulations and procedures for maritime travel in Indonesia continue to be a pressing concern for both authorities and travelers alike.
