🔥 Tragedy at Sea: Indonesian Ferry Catches Fire

CNN reports unfolding crisis off Sulawesi coast. A routine sea voyage turned into a nightmare on Sunday as an Indonesian passenger ferry erupted in flames off the coast of Sulawesi, claiming the lives of at least five people, including a pregnant woman, according to military officials.

 

The ill-fated vessel, KM Barcelona 5, had departed from the island district of Talaud and was en route to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, when disaster struck near the waters of Talise.

 

Vice Admiral Denih Hendrata, commander of Indonesia's Fleet Command, confirmed that 284 passengers and crew had been successfully evacuated so far, thanks to a large-scale rescue effort involving three navy ships and brave local fishermen who pulled survivors from the sea. Many survivors were found wearing life jackets and had drifted to nearby islands amid strong waves and rising panic. 🚢🌊

 

"We’re still focused on evacuations at this time," Hendrata told CNN, adding that the exact number of people on board remains unclear and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

This latest incident underscores ongoing concerns over maritime safety in Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago of over 17,000 islands where ferries are a lifeline – and, unfortunately, a frequent source of tragedy due to lax safety enforcement.

 

This month has been especially grim at sea: just weeks ago, a ferry sank near the popular tourist island of Bali, leaving 19 people dead and 16 still missing. In that case, over 1,000 personnel took part in a two-week search involving ships, helicopters, and divers.

 

And only days ago, a group of passengers stranded in the Mentawai Islands was rescued after their speedboat capsized in stormy conditions – a narrow escape that contrasts sharply with Sunday’s deadly blaze.

 

As rescue teams continue their work and grieving families seek answers, this tragedy has once again brought maritime safety in Indonesia under the spotlight.

 

Source: CNN

Picture: BASARNAS/AP