Indonesia Ferry Fire: Passengers Leap into Sea as Vessel Burns

A horrifying tragedy unfolded off the coast of Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province on Saturday, July 20, 2025, when a massive fire engulfed the KM Barcelona VA ferry, forcing hundreds of terrified passengers to leap into the sea to escape the flames.

The incident occurred near Talise Island while the ferry was traveling from the remote Talaud Islands to Manado City, a popular destination on Sulawesi's northern tip. Eyewitnesses say chaos broke out shortly after smoke was seen billowing from one section of the vessel.

According to Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the ferry was carrying approximately 280 passengers and crew at the time of the fire. Preliminary reports indicate that the fire spread rapidly, giving passengers little time to react.

In a desperate bid for survival, dozens jumped overboard into the surrounding waters. Fortunately, swift action by the Indonesian Navy, Basarnas, and nearby local fishermen led to a major rescue operation that is still ongoing.

“People were screaming and jumping into the sea. It was terrifying,” one survivor told local media after being pulled from the water.

As of now, authorities have confirmed that most passengers have been rescued, though the exact number of casualties or injuries has not been officially released. Several passengers were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, with some suffering from burns and smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire remains unknown. Indonesian transportation authorities have launched a full investigation, with early speculation pointing to a possible engine malfunction or electrical fault.

KM Barcelona VA is a regularly used passenger ferry in the region and had reportedly passed recent safety checks. However, questions are now being raised about emergency preparedness and fire safety protocols on board.

Indonesia, an archipelago with more than 17,000 islands, heavily relies on sea transport, especially ferries, for inter-island travel. Unfortunately, ferry accidents are not uncommon, often due to overloading, poor maintenance, or inadequate safety measures.

This latest disaster has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of maritime safety standards across the country.

Authorities have urged families of passengers to contact emergency hotlines set up in Manado for updates, as the full passenger manifest is still being reviewed.