Fire on Indonesian ferry results in three fatalities; more than 500 passengers escape by jumping overboard.

Three lives were lost, but more than 500 others were successfully rescued following a catastrophic fire aboard the KM Barcelona 5 ferry near the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Initial reports from emergency officials indicated that five individuals had perished; however, this number was later revised to three after two persons believed to be deceased were ultimately saved, including a two-month-old infant who required urgent care for seawater inhalation.

The incident occurred while the ferry was en route from Melonguane port in the Talaud Islands district to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province. Eyewitness accounts and videos circulating on social media captured the chaos as frightened passengers, primarily clad in life jackets, leapt into the water to escape the flames and choking black smoke that engulfed the vessel.

The Indonesian coastguard was mobilized swiftly, deploying a coastguard ship alongside six rescue vessels and numerous inflatable boats to assist in the operation. Franky Pasuna Sihombing, head of the Manado navy base, confirmed that a comprehensive search and rescue operation was ongoing, indicating the commitment of local authorities to ensure the safety of all passengers.

Rescue agency head George Leo Mercy Randang emphasized that their command center remains operational around the clock, allowing families to report any missing relatives. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences during the emergency, with one individual describing how they awoke to a smoke-filled cabin, highlighting the immediate danger present on the ferry.

As investigations continue, officials suggest that the fire may have originated on the upper deck of the vessel. Notably, the ferry’s log indicated it was carrying only 280 passengers and 15 crew members, despite local reports suggesting the ferry can hold up to 600 individuals, raising concerns about safety practices in the region.

Marine accidents are a persistent issue in Indonesia, an archipelago comprising approximately 17,000 islands, often attributed to a combination of inadequate safety standards and challenging weather conditions. This recent tragedy follows other maritime disasters in the area, including a ferry sinking near Bali just weeks prior, which claimed at least 19 lives.

While such incidents highlight existing challenges within maritime safety in Southeast Asia, the resilient response from Indonesian rescue teams showcases a commitment to safeguarding lives in perilous situations. As the search for the missing continues, the national focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected families.

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