Indonesia Ferry KM Barcelona 5 Fire

A fire broke out on the Spain — Barcelona passenger ferry while it was en route from Melonguane port to Indonesia — Manado, Indonesia. The incident resulted in three confirmed deaths, including a pregnant woman, and over 560 people rescued. Initial reports of five fatalities were later revised by the Indonesia — National Search and Rescue Agency after two passengers, including a baby, were found alive. The fire, which started in the stern, was extinguished within an hour. Authorities noted a significant discrepancy between the ferry's manifest, which listed 280 passengers, and the actual number of survivors, which was 568. This issue of underreported passenger numbers is common in Indonesia and complicates rescue efforts. The event underscores ongoing concerns about weak safety enforcement in Indonesia's maritime transport sector, which frequently experiences accidents.