Inp.polri.go.id - Manado. North Sulawesi Regional Police (Polda Sulut) have named the captain of KM Barcelona V as a suspect in connection with the fatal ferry fire in Talise waters, North Minahasa Regency.

“Following a case review, the North Sulawesi  Police Directorate of Water and Air has named one suspect, identified as IB,” said North Sulawesi Police Head of Public Relations Senior Superintendent Alamsyah P. Hasibuan on Monday (21/7/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com..

The captain is under investigation for allegedly carrying passengers beyond the official manifest and failing to enforce emergency standard operating procedures. Authorities are also questioning 13 crew members, while further investigations are underway.

The vessel, en route from Talaud to Manado, caught fire on Sunday afternoon. Of the 571 passengers aboard, 568 survived while three were confirmed dead, according to Manado’s Search and Rescue Agency.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)