The calm waters between the Talaud Islands and Manado turned into a terrifying scene of panic and chaos on Sunday, July 20, when the KM Barcelona VA ferry caught fire near Talisei Island in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. What was meant to be a routine journey for the 280 passengers onboard quickly became a life-threatening ordeal. The fire, which broke out around noon local time, sent thick smoke billowing into the air as flames consumed the upper decks of the ferry.
In a matter of minutes, the peaceful voyage transformed into a nightmare. Passengers, many of whom were relaxing or sharing meals with family, were jolted by the sight of smoke entering the ship’s compartments. Cries of alarm echoed throughout the ferry as people scrambled to find life jackets and escape the growing blaze. In the absence of a clear evacuation route and with the fire spreading rapidly, many were forced to jump overboard into the sea to save themselves.
Passengers Jump into the Sea
Footage shared widely on social media revealed the terror and confusion that gripped passengers. Screams filled the air as people plunged into the water from the sides of the burning ferry. Flames had engulfed the upper levels, making it impossible to remain onboard. In one video, passengers on the lower deck could be seen rushing to retrieve their belongings from what appeared to be a sleeping area, just moments before abandoning the vessel.
Some survivors described swimming in the sea for long periods, clinging to life jackets or floating debris, hoping for rescue. Local fishing boats and three rescue vessels—KM Barcelona III, KM Venecian, and KM Cantika Lestari 9F—were dispatched by the Manado Harbormaster and Port Authority Office. The North Sulawesi Search and Rescue Agency (SAR) confirmed that their operation was focused on locating and saving any remaining passengers.
Video shows people jumping into the sea as fire engulfs the KM Barcelona VA near Talise Island, Indonesia. Rescue teams have begun evacuating the burning ship. pic.twitter.com/gl2zZElWih
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) July 20, 2025
A survivor identified as Alwina Inang, wife of the Head of Traffic Police of the Talaud Islands Police, recounted her terrifying experience to local news outlet Detik. She was dining with the family of the Head of the Talaud Criminal Investigation Unit when smoke suddenly engulfed the bridge. “We immediately jumped into the sea,” she said. Alwina claimed she survived for about an hour in the open water before being rescued.
The Rescue Operation and a Community in Mourning
While dozens were rescued and brought to safety on nearby Ganga Island, at least one person has been confirmed dead, though it remains unclear whether the death resulted from the fire or drowning. The toll may rise as search teams continue to comb the area for missing passengers. Authorities have not disclosed the full number of casualties, and there are ongoing efforts to identify those who remain unaccounted for.
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The North Sulawesi SAR spokesperson, Nuriadin Gumeleng, expressed that search teams were doing everything possible to ensure that no survivors were left behind. “Our operation is currently focused on locating and rescuing any remaining passengers who may still be aboard the vessel,” he told Jakarta Globe. Rescuers faced strong currents and limited visibility due to the smoke and weather conditions, complicating the already perilous mission.
The tragedy has shocked the nation and brought renewed attention to the state of maritime safety in Indonesia. The country, composed of over 17,000 islands, depends heavily on ferry services to transport people and goods. However, the ferry industry has long been plagued by safety concerns, poor enforcement of regulations, and vessel overcrowding. This incident has once again raised questions about the adequacy of safety protocols and emergency response systems onboard such vessels.
Unanswered Questions and National Reflection
As investigators work to determine the cause of the fire, survivors and their families are left grappling with trauma and uncertainty. Many lost personal belongings, and some still await word on the fate of loved ones. The ferry’s crew and operators are also under scrutiny as authorities seek to understand how such a catastrophic fire could erupt and spread so quickly.
One of the most distressing aspects of the incident was the lack of clear evacuation instructions or firefighting measures on board. Witnesses claimed that by the time most passengers were aware of the danger, the fire had already taken hold of the ferry’s bridge and upper deck, leaving few options for escape. The absence of adequate training or preparedness contributed to the sense of chaos as passengers were forced to act on instinct.
Meanwhile, emotional stories continue to emerge. Survivors like Abdul Rahmad Agu shared their ordeal in real time. In a Facebook livestream, he could be seen holding a toddler close while floating in the sea, his voice pleading for help. His live account served as a haunting reminder of the human cost of such tragedies and the urgent need for improved safety measures.
Local fishing communities played a critical role in the initial rescue efforts. As the ferry burned, nearby fishermen guided their boats toward the smoke, pulling desperate survivors from the water. Their actions helped save dozens of lives before official rescue teams arrived, and their bravery has been widely praised across Indonesia.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, calls are growing louder for reforms in Indonesia’s maritime transportation sector. Experts and safety advocates argue that stricter oversight is required, along with better crew training and improved onboard safety infrastructure. Public pressure is mounting, and many hope that this incident will serve as a catalyst for long-overdue changes.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has yet to make an official statement, but the government is expected to launch a formal investigation. The ferry’s operating company may face penalties or suspension if negligence is found to have played a role in the incident. Survivors are also expected to file claims for compensation, and legal proceedings could follow in the weeks ahead.
For now, the priority remains on search and rescue. Each hour that passes is crucial for those who may still be missing. Medical teams on Ganga Island continue to treat survivors for injuries, exhaustion, and shock. Families from across the Talaud Islands and Manado region are arriving to search for loved ones and offer support to those affected.
The KM Barcelona VA fire has left deep scars on those who lived through it and highlighted glaring vulnerabilities in a vital part of Indonesia’s transport system. As the nation grieves and reflects, it is clear that change is needed to prevent such a disaster from ever happening again. The images of children leaping into the sea, parents holding onto their families, and rescuers braving the smoke and waves will remain etched in the collective memory for years to come.