Skip to main content

Passengers Jump Overboard as Indonesia Ferry Bursts Into Flames

 



On July 20, 2025, a deadly fire broke out aboard the KM Barcelona 5, an Indonesian ferry en route to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province. The fire, which erupted near the stern of the vessel, resulted in at least five confirmed deaths, according to Indonesia's Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla). Two of the victims had not yet been identified at the time of the agency's statement.

The incident unfolded approximately one hour from the popular tourist town of Likupang, located at the northern tip of Sulawesi island. The ferry was reportedly carrying around 280 passengers. Dramatic video footage captured the moment when panicked passengers, many with life jackets on, jumped overboard into the sea to escape the growing inferno. These chilling visuals quickly went viral on social media platforms, particularly TikTok.

Authorities reported that 284 individuals were successfully evacuated, many of whom were rescued by nearby fishermen and transported to nearby islands. Those who sustained injuries were promptly taken to the nearest health facilities.

According to George Leo Mercy Randang, head of the Manado search and rescue agency, the priority was to rescue as many people as possible before nightfall. Video released by the agency showed emergency responders using water hoses to douse the flames, while thick plumes of black smoke continued to rise from the ferry.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Neither Bakamla nor local authorities have offered a conclusive explanation for what sparked the blaze.

The ferry, KM Barcelona 5, was on its regular route and expected to dock at Manado Port before the fire disrupted its journey. In the chaos, passengers were seen donning life vests, making emergency calls, and helping one another flee the vessel. Videos captured by passengers who had already jumped into the water show a surreal scene of fear, confusion, and desperation.

One particular clip posted by a TikTok user named Soalunsrat shows passengers frantically securing their life jackets while others attempt to make urgent calls. In the background, the thick smoke from the ferry looms as a dark reminder of how quickly the situation escalated.

This incident comes just weeks after another maritime disaster in the country, where at least 19 people were killed when a ferry sank off the coast of Bali. The string of maritime tragedies has sparked concern among both domestic and international observers over the safety standards of ferry operations in Indonesia, an archipelago nation that heavily relies on sea transport.

The accident serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with inter-island travel, particularly when safety protocols are not strictly enforced or when vessels are aged and prone to mechanical faults. It is still unclear whether KM Barcelona 5 had a history of mechanical issues or passed recent safety inspections.

Indonesia’s ferry services are often the most affordable and accessible means of travel for many locals, especially in regions where air travel remains expensive or impractical. However, such incidents have highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of maritime safety regulations and more frequent inspections of passenger vessels.

Investigations are ongoing to determine whether negligence, mechanical failure, or other factors were involved. For now, authorities continue to monitor the situation and are working to provide support to survivors and the families of the deceased.

This tragedy is a stark call for better safety standards and enforcement in Indonesia’s maritime sector before more lives are lost to preventable disasters.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

New Punggol Northshore BTO Plagued by Water Seepage and Electrical Hazards

  ***Update: HDB, Maincon and Consultant has came down to the unit to check. Will update on status once we have more information. A Punggol Northshore BTO homeowner, who moved into his newly renovated flat in July 2024, has voiced frustration over severe water leakage issues that have left his unit unsafe and unlivable. Water has been observed seeping from an electrical powerpoint, with puddles forming on the floor and walls showing bubbling and signs of damage from moisture. The source of the leak appears to be an external wall adjacent to the master bedroom, according to assessments by the main contractor. However, the leakage has already caused significant damage to the flat's walls and paintwork, leaving the homeowner distressed. Adding to the frustration, the main contractor advised the homeowner to avoid using the affected power switches in the living room and bedroom due to the risk of a short circuit. Despite the warning, the homeowner has no choice but to turn on the light...

The Gateway to Singapore’s Digital Future, Punggol Coast MRT Station Opens Today!

  The Punggol Coast MRT station, the 17th station on the North East Line (NEL), officially opened on December 10, 2024. Located in the heart of the Punggol Digital District (PDD), it extends the NEL’s total length to 22 km and enhances accessibility for over 200,000 households within a 10-minute walk of an NEL station. Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, speaking at the launch, emphasized the station's role in transforming Punggol Town into a vibrant, connected, and sustainable hub. Travel time for Punggol North residents to Outram Park is now reduced to 45 minutes, down from 60 minutes. Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat highlighted the foresight in planning Singapore’s transport infrastructure, such as provisions made two decades ago for the Cross Island Line interchange at Punggol MRT station. This long-term approach underscores Singapore’s commitment to future generations. The station integrates seamlessly with PDD, a 50-hectare smart and sustainable district focusing on digital indus...

Crackdown on Illegal Ride-Hailing with 4 Drivers Caught in LTA Operation

  In a recent operation conducted by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore, four drivers were caught and had their vehicles impounded for providing illegal ride-hailing services. These unauthorized services operated both within Singapore and across the border to Malaysia, posing significant risks to passengers. The LTA has issued a stern warning to the public, advising against using such illegal services due to the lack of proper licensing and insurance, which can leave passengers vulnerable in the event of accidents. The operation underscores LTA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and regulation of ride-hailing services in Singapore. Drivers caught offering illegal ride-hailing services without a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Licence face severe penalties, including fines of up to $3,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. These measures are in place to deter unlicensed operators and protect passengers from potential harm. Illegal ride-hailing services oft...