Fire Erupts on Indonesian Ferry Carrying 280 Passengers, Dozens Jump Overboard

Tragedy struck off the coast of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, as a massive fire engulfed a passenger ferry, KM Barcelona VA, on Sunday, July 21, forcing terrified passengers to leap into the sea to escape the raging flames.

The vessel, which was carrying around 280 people, was en route from the port of Likupang to Banggai Laut when disaster struck near Talise Island.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and fear as the fire, believed to have started on the upper deck, spread rapidly across the ship. Heavy black smoke filled the air as passengers, including women and children, scrambled for life jackets and abandoned the burning vessel by plunging into the surrounding waters. Some survivors shared harrowing videos from the scene, with one man holding a baby and crying for help as flames consumed the vessel behind him.

Indonesian authorities swiftly launched a large-scale rescue operation, deploying naval ships, local fishing boats, and personnel from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).

By Sunday evening, more than 280 passengers and crew had been successfully evacuated. Several of those rescued were taken to nearby islands such as Ganga Island for immediate medical attention and shelter.

Tragically, at least five lives were confirmed lost in the incident, including a pregnant woman. Dozens more sustained injuries, and officials fear the death toll could rise as search efforts continue for those still unaccounted for.

While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, early reports suggest the blaze may have originated from the engine room or an electrical malfunction. Authorities have vowed to carry out a full probe to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident and to prevent such disasters in the future.

This latest tragedy adds to a string of maritime incidents in Indonesia, a nation made up of over 17,000 islands where ferry transport is a common mode of travel. Despite its necessity, the sector continues to grapple with long-standing issues related to poor maintenance, overcrowding, and inadequate safety enforcement.

As rescue and recovery efforts continue, the Indonesian government faces renewed pressure to strengthen maritime safety regulations, invest in vessel maintenance, and improve emergency response protocols to safeguard the lives of ferry passengers in one of the world’s largest archipelagic nations.