Fire on Indonesian Ferry Kills Three, Over 500 Passengers Rescued

Fire on Indonesian Ferry Kills Three, Over 500 Passengers Rescued
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Three people have died and more than 500 passengers were rescued after a fire broke out on the ferry KM Barcelona 5 off the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, Al Jazeera reported. The vessel was sailing from Melonguane port in the Talaud Islands district to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, when the fire started on Sunday.

Passengers, many wearing life jackets, jumped into the sea to escape the flames and thick black smoke. Social media videos showed terrified passengers abandoning the burning ship. A coastguard vessel was seen spraying water on the ferry in efforts to control the blaze.

Initially, authorities reported five deaths, but the toll was later revised to three after two passengers previously declared dead were saved, including a two-month-old baby with water in the lungs. At least 568 people were rescued, according to the national search and rescue agency.

The rescue operation involved a coastguard ship, six rescue vessels, and several inflatable boats. Officials believe the fire originated on the upper deck.

Marine accidents are common in Indonesia’s vast archipelago, often due to lax safety standards or adverse weather. This incident follows recent ferry disasters in the region, including a deadly sinking near Bali last month.