At midday on July 20, 2025, the passenger ferry KM Barcelona V-A, with 575 people on board, was struck by a catastrophic fire. Eyewitnesses reported thick smoke and a loud explosion from the ferry’s rear. In minutes, fire engulfed multiple decks, causing chaos. Passengers, including children and elderly, jumped into the open sea—many without life jackets.
Thanks to a swift emergency response from Indonesian Search and Rescue (BASARNAS), Navy teams, and local fishermen, over 570 individuals were rescued. However, the tragedy claimed three lives, including a pregnant woman, and two more remain missing.
Details of the Fire and Evacuation
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The fire is believed to have originated from the stern (rear engine or storage section).
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A powerful explosion may have been triggered by a fuel or electrical fault, though this remains under investigation.
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The blaze spread rapidly, blocking internal corridors and stairways.
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Many passengers were sleeping or resting when the fire started, increasing the panic.
Several Facebook livestreams and mobile recordings captured the terrifying moments: people screaming, flames licking the railings, and dozens leaping overboard into open waters.
Human Impact and Eyewitness Testimonies
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Ladies recalled:
“There was thick smoke. I couldn’t see anything. I held my daughter, wrapped her in a towel, and we jumped into the sea. I didn’t think we’d survive.”
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A rescued passenger, shared:
“I had a life jacket but the person next to me didn’t. I helped him float using a wooden plank.”
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The deceased include:
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A pregnant woman
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Two other adult passengers
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A 2-month-old baby was found floating, unconscious but alive; the child is now stable.
Search, Rescue & Medical Response
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BASARNAS coordinated 6 rescue vessels, the Indonesian Navy, and local boats.
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Rescue continued for over 6 hours, with some passengers found drifting miles away.
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Rescued individuals were brought to Likupang Port and Manado hospitals.
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Medical support included treatment for:
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Burn injuries
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Smoke inhalation
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Hypothermia from long sea exposure
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A search operation for the missing continued into the next morning, though hopes diminished as night fell.
Past Incidents and Maritime Safety Context
Indonesia has suffered multiple maritime tragedies due to:
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Poor enforcement of safety regulations
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Overcrowded vessels
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Aging ships without modern emergency systems
Notable past incidents:
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KM Sinar Bangun (2018): 164 killed
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Levina I (2007): 42 died in a ferry fire
Despite promises of reforms, many ferries still lack:
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Adequate fire suppression systems
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Emergency drills for crew and passengers
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Real-time digital passenger tracking
Investigation and Government Response
The Ministry of Transportation and National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT) have launched an official inquiry. Key focus areas:
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Cause of fire (mechanical vs. human error)
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Emergency preparedness of crew
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Discrepancies in passenger manifest (initially recorded only ~280)
Government officials have pledged:
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Increased inspections
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Tighter controls on manifests
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Introduction of fire safety certifications for passenger vessels
Conclusion
The KM Barcelona V-A ferry fire stands as a tragic reminder of the fragile state of maritime safety in Indonesia. The swift response saved hundreds—but not all. Lives were lost, and trauma will linger long after the fire is out. The incident demands accountability, urgent reforms, and a renewed commitment to protecting passengers at sea.
