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Day: July 20, 2025

KM Barcelona VA

KM Barcelona VA

KM Barcelona 5
Photo: liputan6.com

On the afternoon of July 20, the passenger ferry KM Barcelona VA (MMSI: 525301973) caught fire in the Celebes Sea off the northern coast of Sulawesi Island, Indonesia. The KM Barcelona VA departed from the Talaud Islands headed for Manado with approximately 300 passengers when a fire broke out in the upper deck of the ferry.  Thick black smoke billowed out of the superstructure as fire spread through out the vessel. Both crew and passengers were forced to jump into sea as the fire gutted the ferry.

The Indonesian Navy, Coast Guard and local fishermen all engaged in a search and rescue mission looking for survivors. Reports state that 284 people were rescued along the 5 bodies were recovered. Authorities continued to search for survivors as the total number of passengers and crew was not known.

Last report stated the KM Barcelona VA remained afloat after the fire was extinguished and would be taken under tow.  Authorities have not reported the cause of the fire. News reports state the KM Barcelona VA had been delayed prior to its scheduled departure. There is some speculation the ferry was not in working order when it left port.

 

Rescue off Austevoll

Rescue off Austevoll

Bjarne Kyrkjebø
Photo: NSSR

On the evening of July 20, the 13 meter long NSSR rescue boat Bjarne Kyrkjebø (MMSI: 258150500) was dispatched to assist a vessel in distress off Austevoll, Norway. The vessel (name was not disclosed) had sent out a distress call that it had suffered water ingress and needed assistance.  The two crew onboard were later rescued with no injuries. The Bjarne Kyrkjebø assisted in dewatering the vessel with pumps. The vessel was later towed to shore. No reports of damage or pollution released.

Wonder Sea

Wonder Sea

Wonder Sea
Photo: vnexpress.net

On the afternoon of July 19, the passenger ship Wonder Sea capsized in Halong Bay near Dau Go Cave, Vietnam. The Wonder Sea was out on an excursion voyage with 53 persons on board, 48 passengers and 5 crew, when it was caught out in a storm.  Reports state the Wonder Sea lost stability in strong winds and capsized.

Wonder Sea
Photo: x.com

Vietnamese authorities were alerted with vessels from the navy, border patrol, local police and port authorities responding. Over 25 vessels were engaged in a search and rescue operation looking for survivors. Initial reports state some 11 people had been rescued from the water. Unfortunately some 34 bodies have also been recovered from the sea.

The search for the missing persons had some difficulty in the darkness and heavy rains still persist in the area. Divers continue to search the overturned Wonder Sea. The incident is under investigation.