Manado, North Sulawesi—A vessel was traveling near the coast when an explosion ripped through the engine compartment. The blast occurred suddenly Sunday afternoon. The force of the explosion caused significant structural damage to the boat. Two passengers were confirmed dead shortly after the event.

Other passengers were rescued by nearby fishing boats in the area. They were brought to the port for medical evaluation. Several survivors suffered from burns and minor trauma. The local water police led the recovery efforts for the victims.

Investigators are currently examining the wreckage as it is towed to the harbor. They suspect a fuel leak may have ignited during the journey. Maintenance records for the vessel are under scrutiny to see if safety protocols were followed. The owner of the boat is being questioned.

The incident has caused concern regarding maritime safety in the region. Local authorities are expected to launch a fleet-wide inspection of smaller passenger vessels. Many boats in the area are older models that may lack modern safety features. The focus is on preventing future disasters.

The bodies of the deceased were taken to the local morgue for identification. Officials are working to contact families who may be living in other provinces. The maritime agency has established a command post at the port to manage the investigation.

Divers are still working near the site of the explosion. They are checking to see if any evidence was lost to the sea floor. The area remains restricted to commercial traffic for now. Safety inspectors are preparing a preliminary report on the engine failure.

The rescue operation has officially ended as all passengers are accounted for. The investigation into the fuel system remains the primary concern. Police are gathering statements from the survivors to clarify what happened before the blast.

Updates will be provided as the technical team examines the motor. The case is being classified as an industrial maritime accident. Everything hinges on whether the failure was due to neglect.