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View all search resultsThree dead, two missing, after ferry catches fire in North Sulawesi
Videos circulating on social media showed dozens of passengers wearing life jackets, panicking as they floated near the vessel. Some were seen sitting along the edge of the burning ship, while others leapt into the water to escape the blaze.
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This screen grab taken from video released by the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) and the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) on July 20, 2025 shows the KM Barcelona 5 ferry after a fire broke out while on its way to Manado, North Sulawesi. (AFP/Basarnas)
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t least three people were killed and two others remain missing after the KMP Barcelona V ferry caught fire on Sunday in the waters off Talise Island, North Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi, marking the latest in a series of marine-related incidents in recent weeks.
The KMP Barcelona V departed Melonguane Port in the Talaud Islands Regency, North Sulawesi, in the early hours of Sunday on a routine voyage to the provincial capital Manado. The trip, which covers approximately 271 kilometers, typically takes around 14 hours.
At approximately 2:00 p.m., however, a fire broke out onboard as the vessel was navigating near Talise Island, roughly 60 kilometers from its destination.
Flames and thick smoke quickly engulfed the upper decks, forcing many passengers to jump into the sea.
Videos circulating on social media showed dozens of passengers wearing life jackets, panicking as they floated near the vessel. Some were seen sitting along the edge of the burning ship, while others leapt into the water to escape the blaze.
Local fisherfolk in the area rushed to the scene to assist in the evacuation. Meanwhile, a joint rescue team, comprised of personnel from the local search and rescue agency, ship operators and the military, immediately deployed six ships to aid in the rescue efforts.
North Sulawesi Governor Yulius Selvanus reported that the fire likely originated inside a passenger cabin on the upper deck while most passengers were having lunch.
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