What Happened After a Passenger Ship Caught Fire in Indonesia?
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Synopsis
A devastating fire on the KM Barcelona 5 passenger ship in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, led to the tragic loss of three lives and the heroic rescue of nearly 150 individuals. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of maritime safety in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Three lives lost in the KM Barcelona 5 fire.
- Approximately 150 individuals rescued.
- Search and rescue operations are ongoing.
- Previous similar incidents highlight maritime safety concerns.
- Communities are uniting to aid rescue efforts.
Jakarta, July 20 (NationPress) Tragically, three individuals lost their lives and approximately 150 people were rescued following a fire on a passenger ship in the waters of Indonesia's North Sulawesi province this past Sunday. This information was provided by Veri Ariyanto, a senior official from the provincial Search and Rescue Office.
According to Ariyanto, "Three people were killed, and nearly 150 were rescued safely. They were assisted by the joint rescue team and local fishermen's boats," he conveyed to Xinhua.
The ongoing search and rescue operation involves the deployment of two ships, multiple rigid inflatable boats, and additional vessels, as stated by Ariyanto.
The vessel, KM Barcelona 5, caught fire while navigating near Manado, the provincial capital, around 1:00 pm local time, as reported by Dani Repi, head of the quick reaction team from the provincial Disaster Management and Mitigation Agency.
At the time of the incident, the ship had approximately 280 people on board, according to Xinhua news agency.
In a comparable incident on July 3, a wooden passenger ship capsized near Bali, resulting in the deaths of three people, while four were rescued and 58 reported missing.
The vessel, identified as Tunu Pratama Jaya Penumpang Motor, was hit by massive waves while traveling along the maritime border between Bali and East Java, noted I Nyoman Sidakarya, the head of the Search and Rescue Office in Bali.
"Three individuals were found deceased, and four were rescued alive," Nyoman informed Xinhua via phone.
The ship had set sail from a port in Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, heading towards Gilimanuk village in Jembrana Regency, Bali. Strong currents and large waves ultimately caused the ship to capsize.
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with teams deployed from both Bali and East Java. A total of 35 rescuers from Bali, alongside a rescue ship and a rubber boat, have been dispatched.
Nyoman also revealed that the ship was carrying 53 passengers and 12 crew members during this incident.
Point of View
The overwhelming response of rescue teams and local fishermen highlights the community's resilience. The loss of life is deeply tragic, and it underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in maritime transport to prevent such incidents in the future.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were on board the KM Barcelona 5?
Approximately 280 individuals were on board the KM Barcelona 5 at the time of the incident.
What caused the fire on the passenger ship?
The cause of the fire on the KM Barcelona 5 is currently under investigation.
How many rescue operations are underway?
Search and rescue operations are still in progress, involving several vessels and teams.
Where did the incident take place?
The incident occurred in the waters off Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province.
What happened in the similar incident on July 3?
In a similar incident, a wooden passenger ship capsized near Bali, resulting in three deaths, four survivors, and 58 missing.
