Indonesia ship fire: At least five people were killed, and over 200 others were rescued after a ferry, KM Barcelona 5, erupted in flames in Indonesia on Sunday afternoon. Many passengers even jumped into the water to save themselves from the inferno.
“Five people were reported dead, two of whom have yet to be identified. Meanwhile, 284 people have been evacuated safely,” Indonesia's Maritime Security Agency agency, also known as Bakamla, said in a statement.
The vessel — KM Barcelona 5 — was ferrying locals from Talaud Islands Regency to Manado Port in North Sulawesi when the blaze erupted.
Plumes of smoke fill skies; passengers float in the waters
Dark plumes of smoke billowed into the sky as passengers floated in the water below, as flames continued to engulf KM Barcelona vessel.
In another clip, now circulating on social media platforms, chaos unfolded on board—some passengers scrambled to put on life jackets, while others frantically tried to make phone calls as panic ensued.
Exact location of the blaze
The fire is located (off) Talise Island, Jerry Harmonsina, secretary of the North Sulawesi Regional Disaster Management Agency, told Detik.
Evacuations underway
The Disaster Management Agency's secretary also said that a search and rescue team has been deployed to the location of the inferno, with local fishermen assisting in the rescue process.
“The evacuation is currently underway, involving various units from the Navy, the National Search and Rescue Agency, the Coast Guard (as well as) assistance from local fishermen in the surrounding area,” CNA quoted Jerry as saying.
Cargo ship carrying EVs catches fire
Earlier this month, a cargo ship – The Morning Midas — which caught fire in the Pacific Ocean, sunk. The ship was left abandoned as it caught fire, was carrying about 3,000 vehicles, among which around 800 were electric vehicles.
A large plume of smoke was initially seen at the ship's stern coming from the deck loaded with electric vehicles, photos shared by the US Coast Guard showed, after which the shipping company Zodiac Maritime gave a confirmation in a statement.
