Passenger Ship Fire In Indonesian Waters Claims Lives, Hundreds Rescued.
A tragic fire aboard a passenger ferry in Indonesian waters has left at least three people dead, with more than 200 others safely evacuated, according to authorities and local media reports. The blaze erupted on the KM Barcelona 5 on Sunday morning, 20 July 2025, as the vessel sailed through the waters of North Sulawesi province, en route from the Talaud Islands to Manado, the provincial capital.
The fire, which reportedly began at the ship’s stern around midday, rapidly engulfed the ferry, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the sky and forcing terrified passengers to leap into the sea to escape the flames. Many were seen wearing life jackets as they jumped into the choppy waters near Talise Island, with dramatic footage capturing the chaos as passengers scrambled for safety. Local fishermen, alongside three navy ships deployed by the Indonesian Fleet Command, played a crucial role in the rescue operation, plucking survivors from the sea and ferrying them to nearby Ganga Island.
Vice Admiral Denih Hendrata, commander of the Indonesian Fleet Command, confirmed that 284 passengers and crew members had been evacuated, though the exact number of people on board remains unclear. Among the deceased was a pregnant woman, and authorities have warned that the death toll could rise as search and rescue efforts continue. The Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) stated that teams are combing the surrounding waters to ensure no passengers remain unaccounted for.
Survivor accounts paint a harrowing picture of the ordeal. Alwina Inang, a passenger and wife of a local police official, recounted to local outlet Detik how she and others were eating when smoke suddenly filled the ship’s bridge. “We immediately jumped into the sea,” she said, describing how she survived in the water for about an hour before being rescued. Another passenger, Abdul Rahmad Agu, livestreamed the desperate moments on Facebook, clutching a toddler while calling for help as others leapt from the burning vessel.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, with officials yet to determine what sparked the blaze. Indonesia, an archipelago nation of over 17,000 islands, relies heavily on ferries for transport, but maritime safety standards are often criticised as inadequate. This incident follows another tragedy earlier this month when a ferry sank near Bali, claiming at least 19 lives. In 2018, over 150 people drowned when a ferry capsized in a lake on Sumatra, underscoring the recurring risks faced by passengers.
As rescue operations continue, the focus remains on ensuring all survivors are accounted for and supporting the families of those lost. The Indonesian Navy, Maritime Security Agency, and local volunteers remain on high alert, working tirelessly to bring closure to this devastating incident.
