🔥 KM Barcelona VA Ferry Fire: Over 280 Jump Into Sea as Blaze Kills 3 Off North Sulawesi
A massive fire broke out on the KM Barcelona VA ferry off the coast of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Sunday, July 20, 2025, forcing over 280 passengers to abandon ship in a desperate bid to escape the flames. At least three people are confirmed dead, with dozens still missing, as a multi-agency rescue operation continues.
🛳️ What Happened?
The ferry was sailing from the Talaud Islands to Manado City when the fire erupted around 1:30 PM local time, near Talise Island. Witnesses describe thick black smoke engulfing the decks, leading to panic on board. Many passengers, some wearing life jackets, leapt into the sea to survive.
Footage recorded by those onboard quickly went viral, showing terrifying scenes of people crying, jumping overboard, and clinging to debris in the open water.
🚨 Death Toll and Rescue Efforts
As of now:
- Confirmed Dead: 3 (including a pregnant woman, per local sources)
- Rescued Alive: At least 150
- Still Missing: Over 100
Rescue teams—including the Indonesian Navy, National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), Coast Guard, and local fishermen—rushed to the scene. Survivors were taken to Ganga Island before being transported to Likupang Port, where a command post has been established.
⚠️ Cause of Fire: Still Under Investigation
The exact cause of the blaze remains unclear. Authorities are investigating possibilities such as:
- Electrical short-circuit
- Fuel system malfunction
- Engine room overheating
Initial signs point toward a mechanical or fuel-related issue, but no official confirmation has been given.
đź’¬ Eyewitness Horror
Many survivors described the experience as “absolute chaos.” One passenger filmed himself floating in the sea while holding a crying infant, pleading for help. Others said smoke filled the upper decks within minutes, making escape nearly impossible without jumping into the sea.
Indonesia has a long, troubled history of maritime disasters, often due to poor safety enforcement and outdated vessels. This tragedy has once again raised questions about ferry safety, crew preparedness, and the lack of emergency protocols on domestic routes.
The KM Barcelona VA fire is now among the deadliest maritime incidents in Indonesia in recent years, echoing disasters like the Zahro Express fire and the Tampomas II sinking.
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