Indonesian Ferry Fire Horror: 568 Saved, 3 Dead
Massive rescue saves hundreds after ferry blaze in Indonesia.
A massive rescue operation saved 568 people after the passenger ferry KM Barcelona 5 caught fire at sea on Sunday during its journey from Melonguane port to Manado, North Sulawesi, though three lives were tragically lost, authorities reported Monday.
The fire erupted around midday on the ferry’s regular half-day route, engulfing the vessel’s stern in flames and thick black smoke. First Adm. Franky Pasuna Sihombing, chief of the Manado navy base, said a coast guard ship, six rescue vessels, and inflatable boats, aided by local fishermen, evacuated survivors, many of whom jumped into choppy waters wearing life jackets. Social media footage captured the chaos as terrified passengers fled the burning ferry.
The fire was extinguished within an hour, and the National Search and Rescue Agency confirmed 568 survivors, including a 2-month-old baby revived in hospital after initial reports of death. Three fatalities were confirmed, including a pregnant woman. The ferry, with a capacity of 600, had an initial manifest of 280 passengers and 15 crew, highlighting Indonesia’s common issue of inaccurate passenger records, which complicates rescues, Sihombing noted.
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The ongoing search continues with no immediate reports of missing persons. Indonesia, an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, relies heavily on ferries, but lax safety enforcement often leads to disasters. Recent incidents include a July 14 speedboat capsizing with all 18 rescued and a ferry sinking near Bali, killing 19. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter maritime safety measures.
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