Thick black smoke was seen billowing from the upper decks of the ferry, which was carrying approximately 280 passengers.
At least five people died after a passenger ferry, carrying approximately 280 people, caught fire on Sunday off Talise Island in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, the country’s coast guards said in a statement. The ferry was on its way to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province. Some passengers jumped into the sea to avoid flames on the ferry named KM Barcelona 5.
In this photo made from video released by the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), rescue ship approach passenger ship KM Barcelona after it caught fire in the waters off Talise Island in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, Sunday, July 20, 2025. (BASARNAS via AP)
At least five people died after a passenger ferry, carrying approximately 280 people, caught fire on Sunday off Talise Island in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, the country’s coast guards said in a statement. The ferry was on its way to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province. Some passengers jumped into the sea to avoid flames on the ferry named KM Barcelona 5.
“Five people were reported dead, two of whom have yet to be identified. Meanwhile, 284 people have been evacuated safely,” Indonesia’s Maritime Security Agency, also known as Bakamla, said in a statement.
Thick black smoke was seen billowing from the upper decks of the ferry. According to reports, the fire broke out at around 1:30 pm (local time).
A passenger named Abdul Rahmad Agu captured the terrifying scenes through a Facebook livestream. He was among many passengers who jumped into the water, with some of them wearing bright orange life jackets. Agu was seen floating while holding a baby.
“It happened very quickly. Around 12:00 WITA, someone shouted that there was a fire at the rear of the ship, and we immediately panicked,” said Alwina Alwina, the wife of the Head of Traffic at the Talaud Islands Police, Christian M, as quoted by Antara news.
KM Barcelona V departed from the Talaud Islands and was scheduled to dock at Manado Port. Its delayed departure due to a storm the previous day has raised questions about potential mechanical or operational issues.
