In this photo made from video released by the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), smoke billows from passenger ship KM Barcelona after it caught fire in the waters off Talise Island in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Sunday, July 20, 2025.
Over 560 people were dramatically rescued after a passenger ferry caught fire off Indonesia’s coast, claiming three lives. The incident took place on Sunday, with passengers forced to jump into the sea as the vessel was engulfed in flames.
Panic at Sea: Fire Engulfs KM Barcelona 5
The KM Barcelona 5 ferry was en route to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, from Melonguane port in the Talaud Islands. Around midday Sunday, fire broke out in the stern of the vessel. Within minutes, flames and thick black smoke surrounded the ferry, sparking panic among passengers.
Many passengers were seen jumping overboard wearing life jackets, as captured in videos circulating on social media. The chaos unfolded rapidly, with people fighting the waves while trying to stay afloat.
Massive Rescue Effort Saves Hundreds
A swift and large-scale rescue operation was launched immediately. A coast guard ship, six rescue vessels, inflatable boats, and even local fishing boats rushed to the scene.
According to First Admiral Franky Pasuna Sihombing, chief of the Manado navy base, hundreds were pulled from the sea and taken to nearby islands for safety.
Among the survivors was a two-month-old baby who was initially thought to be dead. The baby was revived at a hospital, with seawater reportedly filling its lungs. Another passenger previously declared dead was also found alive, prompting officials to revise the initial death toll from five to three.
Discrepancies in Passenger Count Raise Concerns
The ferry’s official manifest listed only 280 passengers and 15 crew members. However, the National Search and Rescue Agency confirmed that 568 people were rescued. This included women, children, and a pregnant woman whose body was among the three recovered.
The ferry had a maximum capacity of 600, but overcrowding and unregistered passengers are common issues in Indonesia. Sihombing acknowledged that such discrepancies often hinder rescue operations and contribute to maritime accidents.
Ferry Fires and Accidents: A Grim Pattern
Indonesia is no stranger to ferry disasters. With more than 17,000 islands, ferries are a vital mode of transport. However, weak safety measures and poor regulation continue to plague the system.
Just days earlier, on July 14, a speedboat with 18 passengers capsized during a storm. Fortunately, everyone survived.
However, a more tragic incident occurred earlier this month when a ferry sank near Bali, killing at least 19 people, with 16 still missing. That operation required more than 600 personnel, 15 boats, navy ships, a helicopter, and divers.
Fire Extinguished, But Questions Remain
The blaze on KM Barcelona 5 was reportedly doused within an hour. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire. Investigations are ongoing, but safety oversights remain a serious concern.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring the health of survivors and preventing such maritime disasters from happening again. While the rescue of 568 passengers is a feat worth acknowledging, the tragedy also serves as a stark reminder of Indonesia's urgent need for stricter ferry safety regulations.
