KM Barcelona V Burns, Alleged Causes Still Being Investigated

MANADO The joint team began investigating the cause of the burning of the Barcelona V motorboat (KM) in the Waters of Talise, North Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi, Sunday, July 20. The fire that occurred at around 14.00 WITA caused three passengers to be killed and hundreds more evacuated.

Public Relations of the Manado SAR Office, Nuriadin Gumeleng, said as many as 568 passengers survived the incident, while three people were declared dead. The identities of the dead have been verified, namely Juliana Gumolung, Asna Lapai, and Zakarias Tindigungi, all of whom are residents of the Talaud Islands Regency.

"Initial information stated that five victims died, but three people have been confirmed. The other two are still in the process of being confirmed," said Nuriadin, Monday, July 21, at the Munte Harbor Basarnas Post, reported by ANTARA.

KM Barcelona V is known to have sailed from Talaud to Manado when the incident occurred. The fire quickly burned the middle to the back of the ship. Panicn passengers save themselves in buoys and airboats. The evacuation process was carried out in an emergency by residents of Gangga II Island who were not far from the scene.

A joint team consisting of Basarnas, Bakamla, TNI AL, TNI AD, North Sulawesi Police, Transportation Service, and ship operators were deployed for rescue and evacuation processes.

Until now, investigations into the cause of the fire are still ongoing. The shipping authority and the police are examining crew members and a number of witnesses, as well as collecting data from the scene.

"We are currently investigating possible technical negligence or violations of safety procedures that caused the fire. The captain and the main crew will also be questioned," said an officer from the North Sulawesi Police Ditpolairud who declined to be named.

The Ministry of Transportation was asked to intervene in a thorough investigation, including reviewing the operational feasibility of ships suspected of carrying more than 500 passengers.

The survivors have now been evacuated to Manado City and some are being treated in a number of hospitals due to injuries and fatigue. Traumatization treatment is also starting to be given, especially to children and the elderly.