A passenger ferry bound for Manado (North Sulawesi's capital city) amid the waters off northern Sulawesi caught fire on Monday, resulting in at least five confirmed fatalities and the rescue of around 300 people, according to the Indonesian coast guard, as relayed by AFP via BTA.
The vessel, identified as the KM Barcelona 5, erupted in flames near Talise Island during its passage. Flames reportedly originated near the stern, prompting many passengers, clad in lifejackets, to leap into the sea in a desperate bid to escape the blaze.
Rescue efforts were mounted swiftly by a coordinated presence of coast guard vessels, inflatable boats, the search and rescue agency, navy units, and local fishermen. These combined efforts saw approximately 300 survivors brought to safety, while recovery teams retrieved five bodies from the swells.
At present, the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
The Indonesian maritime safety agency has launched an investigation to establish the sequence of events and the origin point of the ignition.
Indonesia’s extensive archipelagic geography means ferry travel is essential yet often fraught with risks. Yesterday’s incident marks the latest in a series of such maritime emergencies in the region.