Daijiworld Media Network – Jakarta
Jakarta, Jul 20: A routine sea voyage turned into a terrifying ordeal on Sunday afternoon when a massive fire engulfed a passenger ferry carrying nearly 280 people near Talise Island in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. As thick black smoke billowed from the upper decks, several passengers were forced to leap into the sea to escape the inferno aboard KM Barcelona VA.
According to Veri Ariyanto, senior official at the provincial Search and Rescue Office, three people have lost their lives, and nearly 150 have been rescued so far by joint efforts involving rescue teams and local fishermen.
The fire reportedly broke out around 1:30 pm (local time), rapidly spreading across the vessel. Panic gripped the passengers as cries for help echoed through the waters.
One of the survivors, Abdul Rahmad Agu, live-streamed the harrowing scene on Facebook. In the video, he is seen floating with other survivors—some in orange life jackets—while holding a baby in his arms. "Help, the KM Barcelona V is on fire. There are still many people on board. We are burning at sea… we need help fast," he pleaded.
Another survivor, Alwina Inang, wife of a senior police official, recounted the moments of horror. “Around noon, someone shouted that the rear of the ship had caught fire. Within minutes, the whole deck was in chaos,” she told Antara News. She and her family jumped into the sea in desperation.
The ferry had departed from Talaud Islands and was en route to Manado Port. Notably, the vessel's departure had been delayed due to stormy conditions a day earlier, raising concerns over mechanical or operational issues that may have contributed to the incident.
Initial investigations are underway, with authorities suspecting electrical faults, engine malfunctions, or fuel leaks as potential causes of the blaze.
George Leo Mercy Randang, head of the Manado Search and Rescue Office, said, “Our first priority is the rescue of all passengers. More details will follow as the situation develops.”
Rescue operations are continuing amid growing concerns for those still missing