5 killed after Indonesia ferry catches fire

KABUL (Pajhwok): At least five people have died after a passenger ferry caught fire at sea in Indonesia, media reports said on Monday.

The ferry, KM Barcelona 5, was carrying hundreds of passengers when the blaze broke out on Sunday off the coast of Sulawesi Island, CNN reported.

The vessel was en route from Talaud, an island district, to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province.

Vice Admiral Denih Hendrata, commander of the Indonesian Fleet Command, said the fire occurred in waters near Talise. More than 280 people have been rescued so far, with evacuation efforts still ongoing.

Local fishermen played a key role in the rescue, helping passengers—many wearing life jackets—navigate rough seas to reach nearby islands.

Authorities have not released exact figures on the total number of passengers and crew onboard, and no injuries have been reported at this time. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.

hz/sa