Latest news with #MaritimeSecurityAgency
South China Morning Post
7 hours ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
Indonesia's recurring tragedy: deadly boat fire fuels urgent reform calls
A deadly ferry fire in Indonesia has reignited calls for sweeping reform of its maritime transport sector, with analysts blaming overcapacity, ageing fleets and weak enforcement for a string of recent boat disasters across the sprawling archipelago nation of over 17,000 islands. . On Sunday afternoon, a ferry was carrying more than double its declared passenger capacity when it caught fire off Talise Island, off the coast of Sulawesi, forcing dozens to jump into the sea and killing at least five people, according to the country's Maritime Security Agency. The vessel KM Barcelona V was travelling from the remote Talaud Islands to Manado in North Sulawesi A viral video shows passengers plunging into the water as the fire engulfs the vessel. Manado's rescue agency said 571 people were on board despite the ferry's manifest listing just 280 passengers and 15 crew members. Including the fire on Sunday, Indonesia has recorded at least three boat disasters alone this month, in addition to a string of other similar incidents in previous years, in a country where ferries are often the only mode of transport available for inter-island connections. On July 14, a speedboat carrying 18 passengers capsized due to a four-metre high wave in the waters around Mentawai in West Sumatra. All passengers were safe after they swam for six hours to the nearest shore. Rinto Wardana Samaloisa, regent of Mentawai Islands, told state news agency Antara that the ship was 'over capacity' as it was only allowed to carry 10 passengers. The vessel also lacked a radio for communication, and it did not have the permit to sail from the harbour master on duty due to 'extreme weather'.
South China Morning Post
12 hours ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
Hundreds rescued after Indonesia ferry fire kills at least five
An Indonesian ferry fire killed at least five people on July 20, 2025, the country's coastguard said. More than 200 others were saved, with many jumping overboard to escape the huge blaze. The KM Barcelona 5 ferry was engulfed in flames off the coast of Sulawesi island, according to Indonesia's Maritime Security Agency. The incident happened just weeks after at least 19 people were killed when a ferry sank off the popular Indonesian resort island of Bali.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Indonesia ferry fire kills five
An Indonesian ferry fire killed at least five people on Sunday, the country's coast guard said, while more than 200 others were saved with many jumping overboard to flee the huge blaze. The KM Barcelona 5 ferry was engulfed in flames off the coast of Sulawesi island, Indonesia's Maritime Security Agency said, just weeks after at least 19 people were killed when a ferry sank off the popular resort island of Bali. "Five people were reported dead, two of whom have yet to be identified. Meanwhile, 284 people have been evacuated safely," the agency, also known as Bakamla, said in a statement. The fire broke out at the ferry's stern as it was on its way to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, with some passengers jumping overboard with life jackets, the statement said. Fishermen also helped evacuate the victims to nearby islands, the statement added. Those injured were taken to the nearest health facility, Bakamla added. The accident happened about one hour away from the resort town of Likupang, in the northern tip of Sulawesi.
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Indonesia ferry fire kills five as hundreds rescued
The KM Barcelona 5 ferry was engulfed in flames off the coast of Sulawesi island, Indonesia's Maritime Security Agency said, just weeks after at least 19 people were killed when a ferry sank off the popular resort island of Bali. "Five people were reported dead, two of whom have yet to be identified. Meanwhile, 284 people have been evacuated safely," the agency, also known as Bakamla, said in a statement. The fire broke out at the ferry's stern as it was on its way to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, with some passengers jumping overboard with life jackets, the statement said. Fishermen also helped evacuate the victims to nearby islands, the statement added. Those injured were taken to the nearest health facility, Bakamla added. The accident happened about one hour away from the resort town of Likupang, in the northern tip of Sulawesi, Manado search and rescue agency head, George Leo Mercy Randang, said. A video released by the Manado agency showed a Bakamla vessel spraying water on the ferry, which was still emitting thin black smoke.
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Tribune
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.
