A tragic ferry fire off the coast of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Sunday has left at least five people dead and dozens injured, after the KM Barcelona VA, carrying around 300 passengers, was engulfed in flames mid-journey.
The vessel was en route from Talise Island to Manado Port when the fire broke out around 1:30 pm local time, forcing terrified passengers to jump into the sea in a desperate bid to escape the thick smoke and growing flames.
"Elements of the Indonesian Navy deployed for the Search and Rescue (SAR) operation in this maritime accident included KRI Pari-849 and KAL Tedung Selar, which are currently at the scene assisting in the evacuation and search for victims. Rescue efforts were immediately initiated. Two other ships near the incident location, KM Barcelona IIIA and KM Venecian, quickly moved toward the burning vessel to provide initial assistance," the Indonesian Navy sid in its official statement.
Panic at sea: Passengers leap overboard
Dramatic videos and images shared on social media captured the chaotic moments onboard the KM Barcelona VA as black smoke billowed from the upper decks and passengers scrambled for life jackets. In one livestream video posted on Facebook by a passenger named Abdul Rahmad Agu, people can be seen jumping overboard as flames spread rapidly.
“Help, the KM Barcelona V is on fire. There are still many people on board,” Abdul is heard shouting in the video. Seen floating in the water while holding a baby, he pleads: “We are burning at sea... we need help... fast.”
At least 18 people were injured, several of them suffering from burns and smoke inhalation, including children, local authorities confirmed.
Rescue and recovery efforts
Over 280 people have reportedly been rescued so far, thanks to swift coordination between Indonesia’s Search and Rescue teams and local fishermen, who rushed to the site with small boats. Many survivors were seen clinging to debris or floating in the water with life jackets.
Authorities have cordoned off the area and are continuing the search for any remaining passengers. Officials have launched a full investigation into the cause of the fire. Possible electrical faults, engine failure, or fuel leaks could have triggered the blaze, but no official confirmation has been given yet.
