MANADO, INDONESIA – A routine ferry journey turned into a scene of terror after the KM Barcelona 5 caught fire off the coast of Indonesia's Sulawesi island, leaving at least five people dead. A massive rescue effort involving official agencies and local fishermen managed to save 284 passengers and crew, many of whom had jumped into the sea to escape the flames.
The incident occurred while the vessel was en route to Manado, the provincial capital of North Sulawesi. The Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) is leading the post-accident response as an investigation into the cause of the deadly blaze gets underway.
A Desperate Escape from the Flames
According to initial reports from survivors and rescue officials, the fire broke out at the rear of the vessel. The flames spread rapidly, engulfing parts of the ferry and sending thick, black smoke billowing into the sky, which was visible from miles away.
The fire caused widespread panic among those on board. With escape routes blocked by the blaze, many passengers were left with no choice but to don life jackets and leap into the ocean to await rescue. Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes as people desperately tried to get clear of the burning ship.
Heroic Rescue Efforts
A large-scale rescue operation was launched shortly after the distress call was received. Rescue ships from Basarnas were dispatched to the scene, but they were joined by a fleet of local fishing boats that were in the area. These fishermen have been praised for their heroic and swift response, pulling many survivors from the water before official help could arrive.
"The joint effort between our teams and the local community was crucial in saving so many lives," said a spokesperson for the local Basarnas office. The 284 survivors, many suffering from shock and minor injuries, have since been transported to a nearby port for medical attention and to be reunited with their families.
Investigation Launched Amid Maritime Safety Concerns
Indonesia's National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) is expected to lead the investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.
The tragedy once again highlights the issue of maritime safety in Indonesia, a vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands that relies heavily on ferries for inter-island transportation. The country has a long history of maritime accidents, often attributed to lax safety standards, overcrowding, and poor vessel maintenance. The investigation into the KM Barcelona 5 fire will focus on whether all safety and operational procedures were followed.
