"There may have been an explosion. Everyone is confused. It certainly seems the explosion occurred in the engine room," Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Fleet Command (Koarmada) Rear Admiral Eko Wahjono stated at the Muara Angke fishing village, North Jakarta, on Monday.
However, Wahjono declined to elaborate on the precise cause of the explosion, emphasizing that his team's immediate focus was solely on assisting with the evacuation process to ensure the safety of all passengers aboard the KM Barcelona.
Earlier, Commander of the Indonesian Fleet Command (Pangkoarmada), Vice Admiral Denih Hendrata, confirmed on Sunday (July 20) that all passengers aboard the KM Barcelona had been successfully evacuated by officers.
"It is confirmed that all victims have been evacuated," Hendrata told ANTARA.
Related news: Navy confirms all KM III Barcelona passengers evacuated
ANTARA reporters also acquired video footage showing the condition of the ship after evacuation, with several sections visibly blackened by the fire.
Commander of the Indonesian Navy Main Base (Lantamal) VIII Manado First Admiral Franky Pasuna Sihombing reported that 280 passengers were evacuated.
Tragically, three individuals were declared deceased, Sihombing noted.
"For now, out of 280 people, three have died, but the information is that they died from illness, not from the fire," he revealed.
The investigation is underway to ensure no passengers were left on board.
The KM Barcelona was reported to have caught fire in the Talise waters, North Minahasa District, on Sunday afternoon (July 20).
The vessel, which routinely transported passengers on routes such as Manado-Tahuna and Manado-Talaud, was traveling from Talaud to Manado City when thick smoke was seen billowing from the upper deck, indicating the source of the fire.
All passengers, from children to adults, scrambled to safety as the incident unfolded.
Related news: KM Barcelona passengers evacuated, at least three dead
Translator: Walda Marison, Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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