A passenger ferry named Barcelona caught fire off the coast of North Sulawesi on Sunday afternoon, forcing many of its passengers to leap into the sea to escape the flames.
The incident occurred around 12:00 p.m. near Talisei Island, approximately 60 kilometers from Manado, the provincial capital. According to the North Sulawesi Search and Rescue (SAR) Agency, several passengers were rescued and taken to nearby Ganga Island.
“Our operation is currently focused on locating and rescuing any remaining passengers who may still be aboard the vessel,” SAR spokesperson Nuriadin Gumeleng said via phone from the rescue vessel Bima Sena.
At least one fatality—a woman—has been confirmed, although authorities have not yet released the full passenger manifest.
The Barcelona ferry serves one of the region’s busiest maritime routes, connecting Manado with islands including Talaud and Tahuna.
State-owned port operator Pelindo has set up an emergency shelter at Manado Port to provide medical care and assistance to survivors.
The incident comes just over two weeks after another ferry sank in the Bali Strait, resulting in numerous casualties.
