On July 21, emergency officials reported a tragic incident involving a ferry, KM Barcelona 5, which caught fire off the coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and the rescue of over 500 passengers. The fire began at the stern of the ferry while it was en route to Manado on July 20. Passengers were seen jumping overboard with life jackets as the situation unfolded.
A video from Manado’s rescue agency depicted a coast guard vessel spraying water on the ferry, which was engulfed in black smoke. Initial reports suggested five fatalities; however, authorities later revised this number to three. George Leo Mercy Randang, head of the Manado rescue agency, confirmed that the joint rescue team was still conducting operations to account for all individuals on board, stating their post remains active for families seeking information about missing relatives.
In terms of the numbers involved, at least 568 individuals were rescued, but there was a discrepancy concerning the ferry’s passenger log, which officially recorded only 280 passengers and 15 crew members, despite local media reports indicating the ship’s capacity was 600. The incident occurred roughly one hour from Likupang, a resort town located on the northern tip of Sulawesi. Fishermen played a vital role in evacuating the victims to nearby islands, and the injured were promptly taken to health facilities for treatment.
This incident follows a similar maritime tragedy just weeks earlier, where approximately 19 people died when a ferry sank near Bali, attributed to adverse weather conditions. Maritime accidents are distressingly common in Indonesia, a vast archipelago consisting of about 17,000 islands, often due to lax safety standards and unpredictable weather. Another recent incident in March reported a boat capsizing off Bali, leading to the death of an Australian woman and injuries to another passenger. The history of maritime disasters in Indonesia includes a significant incident in 2018 when over 150 people drowned due to a ferry sinking in one of Sumatra’s deep lakes.
As recovery efforts continue, the Indonesian authorities underscore the urgency of rescue operations, promoting safety and vigilance in an area known for its beautiful yet perilous maritime conditions.
