In brief
A passenger emergency unfolds as the KM Barcelona 5 catches fire, raising alarms for safety in Indonesia’s busy waterways.
The fire aboard the KM Barcelona 5 has left at least three people dead after it ignited in waters near Talise, Indonesia, during a journey from the Talaud Islands to Manado. With over 200 passengers on board, the alarming incident prompted quick rescue efforts by Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency, BASARNAS. Videos from the agency display terrified passengers donning life jackets as they were relocated to safety from the burning ship. The cause of the fire remains unknown while the fate of the rescued and unaccounted passengers is still being assessed. Incidents involving passenger ferries are common in Indonesia, a country of over 17,000 islands. Just earlier this month, a ferry disaster left multiple fatalities and many still missing.
