Tangerang, narasinasi- A horrifying incident unfolded at sea when the KM Barcelona 5 passenger ferry caught fire while en route from Melonguane to Manado, North Sulawesi. The fire broke out near the stern of the vessel, forcing hundreds of passengers to leap into the water in a desperate attempt to survive.
The disaster occurred on the morning of July 20. Initial reports estimated about 280 people were aboard, but the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) later confirmed a total of 575 survivors. The figure includes a two-month-old baby, who was rescued and treated for water inhalation before making a full recovery.
Tragically, three lives were lost, including a pregnant woman. Two passengers are still missing as of this publication. Rescue operations were launched swiftly, with the Indonesian Navy, coast guard units, and local fishermen coordinating efforts to evacuate and treat survivors.
“The fire spread rapidly, and the crew issued immediate evacuation orders,” said an eyewitness survivor. “We had no choice but to jump.” Photos and videos circulating online show thick black smoke billowing from the ship and panicked passengers in life jackets floating in the sea.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire. Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has ordered a thorough review of ferry safety standards nationwide.
The KM Barcelona 5 is one of the major transport vessels serving the North Sulawesi route. This tragedy has sparked national calls for stricter maritime regulations, better enforcement of safety protocols, and improved emergency response capabilities.
Sources:
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Associated Press (AP) via The Los Angeles Times and others UPI+14AP News+14Al Jazeera+14Dawn+9ABC+9South China Morning Post+9People.com+7AP News+7New York Post+7Dailymotion+9AP News+9AP News+9The Sun+1Dawn+1
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Al Jazeera English Al Jazeera
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CBS News / AP CBS News
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People.com bilurepor
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