THE BURNING SHIP: Indonesia Ferry Fire Triggers Mass Evacuation, 280 Rescued After Blaze Off Talise Island
A large passenger ferry carrying nearly 280 people caught fire off the coast of Talise Island in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi Province on Sunday afternoon, prompting a mass evacuation operation across sea and air units.
The incident unfolded as the vessel—identified as KM Barcelona 5 by regional media—was en route to Manado Port when thick black smoke and flames erupted on board.
 |
| Image Source: IndibizJBN on X |
Footage circulated widely across Indonesian and Singaporean news outlets, showing panicked passengers leaping into the sea, some clutching life jackets, while others tried frantically to reach help by mobile phone.
Thick plumes of smoke and the sound of shouting filled the air as chaos unfolded on deck.
BREAKING NEWS: Kapal Terbakar, Penumpang KM Barcelona V.A Loncat ke Laut.
— Radio Elshinta (@RadioElshinta) July 20, 2025
Kapal Motor Barcelona 5 yang terinformasi berlayar dari Pelabuhan Kabupaten Kepulauan Talaud menuju Pelabuhan Manado terbakar di sekitar perairan Pulau Talise, Kabupaten Minahasa Utara, Sulawesi Utara,… pic.twitter.com/MB6t8IN3uN
According to local reports, the fire broke out mid-voyage near Talise Island, forcing the crew to initiate an immediate abandonment of the vessel.
Eyewitness videos posted to social media show dozens of passengers already in the water as fire spread rapidly through the ship. Some passengers filmed themselves jumping overboard, while others were seen putting on safety gear amid rising panic.
Info kejadian kapal terbakar hebat.
— Top ILh (@ilhamainul38891) July 20, 2025
Detik-detik KM Barcelona 5 terbakar di perairan pulau talise, Minahasa Utara, Sulawesi Utara.
Minggu, 20/7/2025
Korban selamat dan meninggal belum diketahui, Krn masih sementara evakuasi. pic.twitter.com/KaMS2iNxQC
Authorities confirmed that a full-scale search and rescue operation was launched within minutes of the alarm being raised. Units from the Navy, Coast Guard, and National Search and Rescue Agency were deployed, with crucial assistance from local fishermen who helped pull people to safety.
Info kejadian kapal terbakar hebat.
— Top ILh (@ilhamainul38891) July 20, 2025
Detik-detik KM Barcelona 5 terbakar di perairan pulau talise, Minahasa Utara, Sulawesi Utara.
Minggu, 20/7/2025
Korban selamat dan meninggal belum diketahui, Krn masih sementara evakuasi. pic.twitter.com/KaMS2iNxQC
Evacuation efforts were still underway late Sunday evening, with officials focusing on ensuring all passengers are accounted for. As of the latest updates, there was no confirmed information on fatalities or injuries, though several passengers were reportedly being treated for shock and smoke inhalation.
This is the latest in a string of maritime safety concerns in Indonesia, a nation comprising over 17,000 islands where ferry travel remains a primary mode of transportation. Investigations into the cause of the fire are expected to begin once the situation is fully under control.
Info kejadian kapal terbakar hebat.
— Top ILh (@ilhamainul38891) July 20, 2025
Detik-detik KM Barcelona 5 terbakar di perairan pulau talise, Minahasa Utara, Sulawesi Utara.
Minggu, 20/7/2025
Korban selamat dan meninggal belum diketahui, Krn masih sementara evakuasi. pic.twitter.com/KaMS2iNxQC
Residents and coastal authorities have been urged to remain vigilant, while rescue and emergency teams continue operations. More details are expected as the situation develops.