Indonesia: Passenger ship catches fire, hundreds jump into the sea

(Dan Tri) - Recently, many videos have been circulating on social media, recording the moment a passenger ship caught fire in the middle of the Indonesian sea, causing many people to panic, cry, and jump into the sea to escape.

In a clip recorded by Abdul Rahmad Agu - a passenger who just escaped the burning ship - he repeatedly called for help as the fire burned down the ship named KM Barcelona V behind.

He also held a child tightly in his arms and shouted that there were many more people trapped on the ship. Throughout the live stream, Abdul held the child while reassuring other passengers who had also jumped into the sea in panic.

Passenger ship on fire in the middle of the sea (Photo: The Sun).

According to The Sun , the fire broke out at around 1:30 p.m. on July 20 (local time), when the KM Barcelona VA ship was on its way from Talaud Islands (Indonesia) to Manado City (Indonesia). The ship encountered an accident as it was about to approach Talise Island (Indonesia).

CNA also reported that the ship was carrying 280 passengers when it crashed. When the ship caught fire, thick black smoke billowed from the hull, covering the sky. Passengers cried out and jumped into the sea in despair. Most of the passengers were wearing life jackets.

Other videos show crew members rushing to help passengers put on life jackets and guide them off the ship in the overloaded conditions. Many local residents and fishing boats have approached the scene to assist in the rescue effort.

Hundreds of passengers on the ship jumped into the sea to escape (Photo: The Sun).

The Manado Search and Rescue Agency confirmed that three rescue ships, the KM Barcelona III, KM Venecian and KM Cantika Lestari 9F, were dispatched to the scene. A rescue center was also set up at Likupang Port (Indonesia), near the incident site.

Images taken at the scene after the incident showed the ship, once painted blue and white, completely burned down, with only the charred iron frame remaining. Metal bars in the ship’s structure were clearly visible, and the hull was severely damaged.

Authorities have not yet released any information on casualties. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The ship burned down after the fire (Photo: The Sun).

Mr. George Leo Mercy Randang - Director of the Manado Search and Rescue Office - said that the authorities are urgently counting passengers, prioritizing rescue work: "We will continue to update information. Hopefully all passengers are safe."

The incident occurred just one day after a tourist boat carrying 46 passengers and 3 crew members capsized while on tour route 2 in Ha Long Bay due to a storm.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/indonesia-tau-cho-khach-chay-du-doi-hang-tram-nguoi-nhay-xuong-bien-20250720194634693.htm