
Ferry carrying 280 people off the coast of Indonesia bursts into flames
Striking footage shows the vessel entirely engulfed in bright orange flames as plumes of grey smoke tower above the wreckage.
The KM Barcelona boat had been serving the Manado-Tahuda route, as well as surrounding islands before the blaze broke out today at around 1.30pm local time (7.30am BST).
A woman can be heard crying uncontrollably in a recording of the ruined ferry that shows a number of passengers in orange life vests forced to enter the sea as they sit on the edge of the vessel.
The camera then reveals several dozen people already in the water after swimming away from the boat.
Another video appears to show a toddler rescued from the sea by a man who relays his account of the horrifying events.
He is recorded filming the wreckage a distance away and clutching the young child in his arms who coughs as the man narrates.
It is believed the boat was nearing Talise Island in in North Minahasa Regency when it caught alight.
A number of passengers in orange life vests are forced to enter the sea as they sit on the edge of the vessel
In one chilling broadcast uploaded to Facebook a passenger named Abdul Rahmad Agu pleaded: 'We are burning at sea... we need help... fast...'.
Rescue operations are ongoing with emergency teams racing to account for all passengers.
A Manado KSOP officer named the three rescue ships dispatched to the scene as the KM Barcelona III, KM Venecian, and KM Cantika Lestari 9F.
The ferry was scheduled to dock at Manado Port when disaster struck, local outlet IDN Times reports.
Families of those onboard have been urged to stay calm and await official updates.
Just days earlier, at least 38 people died after tourist boat carrying 53 passengers capsized in Vietnam.
High winds struck Halong Bay, the Wonder Sea boat, and according to Vn Express, rescue crews recovered 37 bodies and saved 11 survivors - with five still unaccounted for.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Western Telegraph
5 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
Rescuers take to the water to highlight Float to Live technique
More than 40 representatives from different organisations created a circle of life in the North Sea at Cullercoats Bay, North Tyneside, to demonstrate how people can avoid drowning if they get into difficulties. The Float to Live technique is championed by the RNLI and others and it advises: – Tilt your head back (submerging your ears) – Relax (and control your breathing) – Move your hands and legs (to help you afloat) – Your legs may sink – that is okay (everyone floats differently) – Practise floating (at a supervised location like a swimming pool) The Float to Live technique is championed by the RNLI (Owen Humphreys/PA) Steve Thomas, head of prevention and education at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: 'With the school summer holidays under way and continued warm weather, we know more people will be heading to the coast, rivers, and lakes to cool off and enjoy the water. 'Whether it's a day at the beach or a family break involving water-based activities, it's vital that everyone understands the risks. 'As a fire and rescue service, we're urging the public to be water aware. 'What starts as fun can quickly turn dangerous without the right knowledge. 'The Float to Live campaign provides simple, life-saving advice that can make all the difference in an emergency.' Nick Ayers, RNLI regional water safety lead, said: 'The Circle of Life event at Cullercoats Bay was a powerful visual reminder of the importance of water safety and partnership working. When panic sets in, floating helps you to regain control, catch your breath and stay calm until help arrives or you can self-rescue Nick Ayers, RNLI 'Seeing over 40 individuals coming together to promote floating shows just how committed we all are to reducing drowning. 'Float to Live is a simple but effective technique that gives people the best chance of surviving if they get into trouble in the water. 'When panic sets in, floating helps you to regain control, catch your breath and stay calm until help arrives or you can self-rescue.' Jo Talbot, a director at the Royal Life Saving Society UK, said: 'A disproportionate number of people drown in the UK between May and August, and we see an increased number of drownings in periods of extreme heat. 'With the warmer weather and summer school holidays beginning, it is vital that everybody is aware of how to stay water smart and safe this summer. 'World Drowning Prevention Day serves as an important reminder to everyone to equip themselves with the tools and knowledge to stay safe around water.' World Drowning Prevention Day is on Friday.


BBC News
11 hours ago
- BBC News
Binned batteries started bin lorry fire in the Arboretum
A lorry load of rubbish had to be dumped on a Nottingham street after binned batteries sparked a from London Road and Stockhill fire stations were called to a Nottingham City Council bin lorry that had caught fire in Hardy Street, in the Arboretum, on Thursday waste had to be emptied on to the road, said the fire service, so crews could work through it and fully extinguish the are urging residents to check with their local council or recycling centre for guidance on how to safely dispose of batteries to help prevent future fires


BBC News
14 hours ago
- BBC News
I'm grieving over my fire-gutted cottage, says Suffolk homeowner
A man who lost his home in a fire said he was left grieving as he watched the property be reduced to Frankson was one of five homeowners to lose a Grade II listed thatched cottage when a row went up in flames on Low Street in Bardwell, Suffolk, on 19 inside the historical properties managed to safely flee, but were left temporarily homeless after the fire destroyed the properties' roofs and first area has been fenced off while workers made the site safe, before a decision is made on whether parts of the homes can be salvaged or would need demolishing. The sight of the cottages being surrounded by metal scaffolding was "extremely painful", the homeowners said."There's a whole grieving process that's going on here," Mr Frankson added."You've got conflicting emotions because you know we've got to move on so it's got to come down in one fashion or not to be rebuilt," he said. It is unknown whether the structures will need to be demolished, but before any major works start Listed Building Consent would need to be obtained."I'd like to think we can rebuild and come back here but there are a lot of factors involved in that, including if that needs to be rebuilt in a Grade II listed manner," added Mr Frankson. In the wake of the fire the village rallied together and raised more than £40,000 to support the families affected. The village's efforts left the homeowners feeling "overwhelmed", said Mr Frankson."There's been a lot of money, which is great, but more so it's the thought behind that money, with actual people actually caring," he added."It's been outstanding - a massive thank you to everyone who has donated." David Ruffles, the chair of Bardwell Parish Council, spearheaded the fundraising campaign."This village has been tremendous and I'm so proud of the way they have rallied behind the homeowners, because the fundraising was eye-watering," he said."It's very emotional that these cottages stood here for centuries but all of a sudden, in a matter of one Saturday night, they went."To see this now is really sad." Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.