Ferry Fire Off Sulawesi Kills Five, Over 280 Rescued in Indonesia

A tragic ferry fire in Indonesia claimed the lives of at least five people on Sunday, while more than 280 others were rescued in a dramatic operation involving local fishermen and the coast guard.

The KM Barcelona 5 ferry was sailing off the northern coast of Sulawesi Island when a fire broke out at the rear of the vessel. According to Indonesia’s Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla), the blaze forced many passengers to leap overboard wearing life jackets to escape the flames.

“Five people have been confirmed dead, and two of them remain unidentified,” Bakamla said in an official statement. “Thankfully, 284 passengers were successfully evacuated.”

The ferry was en route to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, when the incident occurred about an hour away from the popular resort town of Likupang.

Rescue efforts were swift, with nearby fishermen rushing to help and transporting victims to nearby islands. Those who were injured were treated at the closest available medical facilities.

This incident comes just weeks after another ferry accident near Bali killed at least 19 people, once again raising concerns about maritime safety in the island nation.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.