Indonesia: A cruise ship carrying about 280 people, the KM III Barcelona, exploded and burst into flames on Sunday afternoon near Talise Island, North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The explosion prompted hundreds of passengers on board to put on life jackets and jump off the burning ship.
According to Xinhua News Agency, as of Sunday evening, the death toll had risen to three and many more were missing. The ship, which was reportedly carrying 280 people and was traveling from Talaud Island to Manado, caught fire shortly after it burst into flames.
Indonesia’s national search and rescue agency, along with the navy, coast guard and local fishermen, immediately launched a rescue operation to evacuate those on board and save those at sea. Authorities are currently continuing their operations, and the death toll and missing could rise.
