Tragedy struck off the coast of Indonesia on Sunday, July 20, 2025, as a massive fire broke out aboard the KM Barcelona 5 ferry traveling from the Talaud Islands to Manado, North Sulawesi. The incident sent shockwaves across the nation as more than 500 passengers were forced to leap into the sea to escape the flames.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire started suddenly in the stern of the ferry, rapidly engulfing the upper deck in thick black smoke and flames. Panic set in as passengers, including families with children, scrambled for life jackets and jumped into the water. The Indonesian coast guard, navy, and local fishermen responded swiftly, using inflatable boats and other vessels to rescue survivors.
Authorities confirmed that three people lost their lives, including a pregnant woman. More than 575 individuals were rescued, surpassing the originally listed manifest of 280 passengers and 15 crew. Among the rescued was a two-month-old infant, who was treated for seawater inhalation and is now in stable condition. At least two people are still missing, prompting continued search and rescue efforts.
This latest maritime disaster adds to a worrying trend of ferry accidents in Indonesia, where overloaded vessels and lax safety enforcement are recurring issues. Just earlier in July, another ferry incident near Bali resulted in multiple fatalities.
Government officials have launched a formal investigation to determine the cause of the fire and whether safety regulations were violated. Meanwhile, the nation mourns the lives lost and celebrates the heroism of rescue teams and civilians who helped save hundreds from what could have been an even greater catastrophe.