Tragedy Strikes as Ferry Fire in Indonesia Claims Three Lives and Hundreds Are Safely Evacuated

Tragedy struck off the coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia, where, according to emergency officials, three lives were lost and over 500 individuals were safely rescued after a ferry caught fire.

The fire erupted yesterday at the stern of the KM Barcelona 5 while the ferry was en route to Manado. Passengers were seen leaping into the water, equipped with lifejackets, as flames engulfed the vessel. A video shared by the Manado rescue agency depicted a coast guard ship diligently dousing the ferry with water amidst billowing black smoke.

Initially, authorities had conveyed a higher death toll of five, but they later revised this figure to three. “Our post remains open 24 hours a day, in case families wish to inquire about their missing relatives,” a spokesperson from the national search and rescue agency stated.

In total, at least 568 passengers were saved from both the ferry and the surrounding waters, while three unfortunate individuals were confirmed deceased. Notably, the ferry’s log indicated only 280 passengers and 15 crew members were documented on board, despite local media reports suggesting the ship had a capacity of up to 600.

Marine accidents have become a common occurrence within the vast Southeast Asian archipelago of approximately 17,000 islands, often triggered by relaxed safety regulations or unpredictable weather conditions. This recent incident follows closely on the heels of another ferry tragedy off the popular island of Bali, where, just weeks prior, a vessel sank in adverse conditions, claiming the lives of at least 19 people.

In March of this year, a different boat capsized in turbulent waters near Bali, resulting in the loss of an Australian woman while injuring at least one other person. Furthermore, in 2018, a catastrophic ferry disaster led to the drowning of more than 150 passengers in one of the world’s deepest lakes on Sumatra Island.

As we reflect on these events, it is essential to prioritize safety measures and regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future. As an expert once said, “Safety is not a gadget but a state of mind.”

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.