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Breaking: Tragedy at Sea as KM Barcelona VA Ferry Catched Fire Off Talise Island, Hundreds Rescued, Several Dead
By Favour Bibaikefie
A terrible maritime disasters unfolded earlier today, Sunday, July 20, 2025, when the KM Barcelona VA, a passenger ferry travelling across the North Sulawesi coast of Indonesia, caught fire at sea, forcing over 280 passengers and crew to leap into the open waters near Talise Island in a desperate bid to survive.
The fire reportedly broke out in the late morning hours, around 11:00 a.m. local time, as the ferry sailed en route from the Port of Talaud Islands to Manado, passing close to Talise Islan, a small community located in the Sangihe Islands region of North Sulawesi Province.
Though the exact cause of the fire is still under official investigation by Indonesian maritime authorities, eyewitness accounts suggest the fire originated from the engine room and quickly spread through the upper decks of the vessel, engulfing parts of the ship in thick, black smoke. No explodes were heard, but flames moved swiftly, overwhelming the onboard fire safety systems.
See attached video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1WNyUhC27E/
Several passengers reported hearing alarms and seeing smoke rise from below deck shortly before the crew instructed them to wear life jackets and abandon ship.
The KM Barcelona VA is a traditional Indonesian wooden-hull passenger vessel designed to carry passengers and light cargo across island routes. The ship was licensed to carry 300 passengers, and according to the Manado Ports Authority, there were 284 people on board, including passengers, crew, and local traders.
Built to operate in the calm coastal waters of the archipelago, KM Barcelona VA was a key transport link for many remote island communities.
Immediately after the distress calls were received, a coordinated rescue operation was launched by the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Indonesian Navy, and local fishing vessels. Within hours, rescue boats from KM Barcelona III, KM Cantika Lestari 9F, and KM Venecian reached the scene.
Out of the 284 persons on board, 278 were successfully rescued from the sea, some clinging to life jackets, barrels, or wreckage. Survivors were taken to Bitung and Manado ports, where emergency medical teams were stationed.
Despite the swift response, at least five fatalities were confirmed as of Sunday night. Among the dead were two women, including a pregnant woman, and a child, according to the Indonesian Red Cross. Their identities were being withheld pending family notification.
Some survivors suffered from hypothermia, shock, and minor injuries. All were being treated at hospitals in Manado.
A spokesperson for Basarnas, Abdul Malik, confirmed:
“We have received 278 people so far. Unfortunately, five people were found deceased. Search operations will continue to ensure no one is left behind.”
The Indonesian Ministry of Transportation has suspended operations of similar ferry liners pending safety audits and has vowed to carry out a full investigation.
Footages taken by survivors went viral on social media, showing panicked passengers jumping overboard as fire and smoke engulfed the rear deck. In one emotional clip, a young father was seen clutching his child while swimming to safety, guided by the lights os a vessel.
One survivor, Abdul Rahmad Agu, livestreamed his escape:
“We had no chance but to jump. The smoke was thick, and people were crying and screaming. Thank God the rescue team arrived quickly.”
Maritime analysts point to long-standing concerns about safety compliance and aging vessels in Indonesia’s inter-island transport system. Ferry disasters remain common due to overloading, poor maintenance, and weak enforcement of safety regulations.
In 2018, more than 160 people died when ferry sank in Lake Toba. While recent reforms have improved oversight, many vessels, especially wooden-hull ferries like KM Barcelona VA, remain vulnerable to and structural failure.
The Indonesian government has ordered a comprehensive inspection of all operating ferries in the region and has promised support for the families of the deceased.
As the nation mourns the lives lost in this latest maritime tragedy, survivors, families, and citizens across Indonesia are once again calling for urgent reforms to protect those who rely on the seas for their livelihood and connection to the rest of the country.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace.
Stay with IduwiniVoice for further updates as investigations unfold.
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International: Iran Confirms Death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei After US-Israeli Strikes — 40-Day National Mourning Declared
By Favour Bibaikefie, International Affairs Correspondent
Tehran — In an unprecedented escalation of Middle East tensions, Iran’s state media has confirmed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel, the government announced late Saturday.
In a statement broadcast on state television, Iranian authorities declared a 40-day period of mourning and seven days of public holiday across the Islamic Republic in memory of the 86-year-old cleric, who had led Iran since 1989.
The announcement confirmed reports from earlier in the day by U.S. and Israeli officials that Khamenei had been killed during a major offensive dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” — a series of air and missile strikes targeting regime leadership and strategic sites across Iran.
President Donald Trump, in a social media post, hailed Khamenei’s death as a significant blow to the Iranian regime, describing him as one of “the most evil people in history.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said there were strong indications that the cleric was “no longer alive” after his compound in Tehran was hit during the attack.
Iranian state media further reported that several members of Khamenei’s immediate family, including a daughter, son-in-law and a grandchild, were killed in the same strike. Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council labelled the attack an “act of aggression” and vowed to hold the United States and Israel accountable.
The death of Iran’s supreme leader — who wielded ultimate authority over the country’s military, judiciary and all branches of government — has triggered widespread uncertainty about the future leadership of the Islamic Republic and heightened fears of broader regional conflict.
The strikes have already prompted retaliatory actions from Iranian forces, with explosions reported across several Middle East countries. International capitals are watching developments closely as responses from neighbouring states and global powers continue to unfold.
By Favour Bibaikefie
LAGOS — Nigeria’s Dangote Group has signed a $400 million equipment agreement with China’s Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) to accelerate the expansion of its oil refinery, reinforcing efforts to boost domestic refining capacity and industrial development.
The company disclosed on Tuesday that the newly acquired equipment will support ongoing projects across its refining, petrochemical, agricultural, and infrastructure operations. The strategic investment is part of Dangote Group’s broader plan to scale up the refinery’s output toward a projected capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day.
Industry analysts say the expansion represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s drive to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products while strengthening local production and economic growth.
The Dangote Refinery, regarded as one of Africa’s largest industrial projects, is expected to enhance fuel availability, stimulate job creation, and position Nigeria as a key exporter of refined petroleum products in the global energy market.
Breaking
Agbor Makes List as PDP Appoints Caretaker Committees for Osun, Enugu, Imo, Rivers and Delta States
By: Divine Perezide
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved new caretaker committees to oversee the affairs of the party in five states, pending the inauguration of fresh executive structures.
In a public notice dated January 15, 2026, and signed by the National Organising Secretary, Hon. Theophilus Dakas Shan, the NWC said the decision was taken on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and in line with constitutional provisions. According to the statement, the appointments were made “pursuant to Section 29(2)(b) of our Constitution (2025 as amended).”
State Committees Announced
For Delta State, the committee is headed by Prof. Sylvester Monye as Chairman, with Dr. Michael Tidi, Esq. serving as Secretary. They will be supported by 16 other members including Ujor Ucheonny, Pharm. Victor Ofobrukuta, Comdr. Johnbull Aghogho Kenairu, Chief Ekiyor Charles, and Hon. Mrs. Vero Egbuna, among others.
In Enugu State, Barr. Steve Oruruo was appointed Chairman, while Martin Ugwuamaideze was named Secretary. The committee includes seven additional members such as Ugwu Uchenna Godswill, Lilian C.E. Ugwuoke, and Chief Cosmas Onyia.
The Imo State Caretaker Committee is comparatively lean, with Chief John Jude Okere as Chairman and Mr. Magnus Amadi as Secretary.
For Rivers State, Ogbam Ojimah was named Chairman, with Dr. Field Baribeful Nkor appointed as Secretary. Other members include Richard Enyia Victor, Grace Boma Harry, Princess Isoma Stella Elenwa, and Austin Emeka Wali.
In Osun State, Hon. Tunde Tijani leads the committee, with Hon. Bamidele Seyi-Abiola serving as Secretary. Five additional members were listed, including Hon. Lateef Mumini Obidel and Alhaji Sarafa Gbadeamosi.
Mandate and Tenure
The PDP clarified that the committees are mandated to “manage the affairs of the Party in their respective States, as stipulated in Section 21(2)(a-b) of the PDP Constitution.” The party further noted that the duration of the committees “shall not exceed 90 days, or until such a time as a new Executive Committee is elected.”
Members were also advised to conduct their activities in compliance with the PDP Constitution (2025 as amended), the Electoral Act 2022, and the Nigerian Constitution (1999 as amended).
Meanwhile, the notice closed with the party’s slogan, “PDP, Power to the People,” indicating continuity of its internal restructuring ahead of future political engagements.