July 20, 2025 | Jakarta, Indonesia
At least five people, including a toddler, were killed when a passenger ferry carrying more than 280 people caught fire off the coast of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Sunday. and a pregnant woman. The vessel, identified as KM Barcelona 5, was en route from Talaud Islands to Manado, a routine journey that turned into a life-or-death escape at sea.
Tragedy Strikes at Sea
Around 2:45 PM local time, fire broke out onboard the KM Barcelona 5 while it was navigating near Talise Island, about 70 kilometers off the mainland. Passengers, many of whom were traveling with families, were thrown into chaos as thick smoke filled the decks and flames spread rapidly.
In terrifying videos now circulating on social media, men, women, and children can be seen jumping into the open sea, wearing life jackets, desperately swimming away from the burning vessel.
The Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) said that 284 people were safely evacuated, thanks to a rapid response by local fishermen and Indonesian Navy patrol boats in the area. However, five lives were lost—a sobering reminder of how quickly disaster can unfold.
Survivors Tell of Panic, Delay
Survivors who spoke to local media described confusion and panic as the fire spread. Many claimed the crew took several minutes to respond, and life jackets were not easily accessible for some.
“There was a loud bang, and suddenly the ship was full of smoke. People were screaming, and we had to jump,” said a woman who survived with her two young children.
While most passengers were rescued with minor injuries, several are being treated for burns, shock, and sea-related trauma at hospitals in Manado and Bitung.
Cause of Fire Under Investigation
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the blaze, but early indications suggest it may have originated in the engine room. An official inquiry has been launched by the Indonesian Transport Safety Committee (KNKT).
The ship was reportedly built in 1993, raising questions about maintenance records, fire suppression systems, and the safety preparedness of its crew.
“The ferry had a valid permit and passed its last inspection in February 2025,” said North Sulawesi port authorities. “We are now investigating all technical and operational aspects.”
Personal Insight: A Warning the Region Cannot Ignore
As someone who writes about public interest and human impact stories for sbkinews.in, this incident is another tragic reminder of a disturbing pattern: ferry accidents in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia, home to over 17,000 islands, depends heavily on sea transport. Yet over the years, we’ve seen repeated headlines involving ferry sinkings, fires, and overcrowding—from the KM Sinar Bangun disaster in Lake Toba (2018) to the Bali boat fire earlier this year.
These are not just accidents—they reflect systemic lapses in training, emergency preparedness, and maritime regulation enforcement.
When people are forced to leap into the ocean with children in their arms, we are failing them long before the fire starts.
EEAT: Why You Can Trust This Report
As a journalist reporting for sbkinews.in, I bring stories rooted in real, everyday experiences—not legal analysis, but human impact.
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Experience (E): I focus on general reporting, not courtroom or legal news.
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Expertise (E): This article is built using verified news sources like Reuters, Al Jazeera, NDTV, and KOMPAS.
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Trustworthiness (T): No speculation, only sourced information. My opinion is offered clearly and separately from the facts.
The Broader Context: Repeating Mistakes
Indonesia’s record with ferry safety has been criticized internationally. Overcrowding, poor maintenance, and aging fleets continue to put passengers at risk. While the KM Barcelona 5 was not overcrowded, the response gap and infrastructure weaknesses are once again under scrutiny.
The Indonesian government has promised a nationwide ferry safety audit, and the Ministry of Transport has ordered an immediate review of all vessels operating in the North Sulawesi route.
Conclusion: A Lucky Escape, But Not for All
For the 284 passengers who survived, Sunday’s fire will be remembered as a close call. For five others, including a child, it was a fatal journey. The time to act is not after the next ferry burns, but now.
If Indonesia and other maritime nations don’t prioritize stringent vessel inspections, emergency training, and rapid rescue drills, tragedies like this will only continue.
Source: NDTV – Passengers Jump Into Sea as Massive Fire Engulfs Ferry With 280 Onboard Near Indonesia