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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.

 

KM Argo Mulyo

KM Argo Mulyo

KM Argo Mulyo
Photo: suaramerdeka.com

On the afternoon of July 14, the fishing vessel KM Argo Mulyo caught fire in the Java Sea at the port in Tegal City, Indonesia. Witnesses stated they heard an explosion on the KM Argo Mulyo right before the fishing vessel caught fire. The fire quickly spread through out the fishing vessel engulfing the superstructure in flames.

KM Argo Mulyo
Photo: tribunnews.com

The crew attempted to extinguished the blaze using a portal extinguisher before requesting assistance from the local fire brigade.  The fire fighters along with emergency responders were deployed to the scene. To avoid the fire spreading to other nearby vessels, the KM Argo Mulyo was towed away and isolated from the other moored vessels. Reports state the fire gutted the KM Argo Mulyo. No reports of injuries.

Tunu Pratama Jaya

Tunu Pratama Jaya

Tunu Pratama Jaya
Photo: Bali Search and Rescue

On the night of July 2, the 63 meter long, 955 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Tunu Pratama Jaya (IMO: 8749432) sank in the Bali Strait off Ketapang Port, Indonesia. The ferry was making a regular crossing between Ketapang Port, Banyuwangi to Gilimanuk Port, Bali when it suffered water ingress in the engine room. The flooding could not be contained and the Tunu Pratama Jaya suffered a total power blackout a few minutes later.  Adrift and being pulled by the strong currents, the ferry rolled in rough seas. The Tunu Pratama Jaya continued to roll until it finally lost stability allowing water to rush over its decks causing the ferry to capsize and sink in the middle of the strait.

The Tunu Pratama Jaya was able to send out a distress call with another ferry the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya 3888 responding. Unfortunately, the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya 3888 was unable to evacuate passengers or crew before the ferry sank. The Indonesian Navy, local water police and several volunteers began a search and operation looking for survivors in the water. Authorities report that 35 survivors were pulled from the water along with 6 bodies recovered.

The Tunu Pratama Jaya had listed to have 53 passengers and 12 crew on board, but this number may not match to the total who were on board during the incident.   Reports state that rough seas with waves of 2 meters have hampered search efforts.

Witness accounts stated the vessel was rolling badly before it finally capsized. These accounts stated that the vessel did not attempt to distribute life jackets before it sank. One account stated the passengers swam free of the ferry and found several life jackets in the water before being rescued by a local fisherman. The exact cause of the water ingress is still under investigation by authorities. Reports states that authorities halted the search and rescue operations later on July 3.