North Sulawesi Boat Fire: Dozens Injured, Children Among Hundreds Rescued After Disaster at Sea

Key Points

• Indonesian passenger boat ‘KM Barcelona’ caught fire with around 300 people onboard, including children, near the North Sulawesi coast.
• The fire broke out around 1:30 pm local time, rapidly engulfing the vessel and sparking mass panic and chaos.
• At least 18 people reported injured; dozens rescued, full casualty status still being confirmed as rescue efforts continue.
• Viral videos circulated on social media show thick smoke, flames, and passengers jumping into the sea for survival.
• Nearby fishermen and rescue teams played a crucial role in saving lives, using fishing boats to pull survivors from the water.

Manado, Indonesia: A major maritime catastrophe unfolded off the coast of North Sulawesi when the passenger vessel KM Barcelona, reportedly carrying close to 300 people, caught fire mid-voyage. The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 pm local time, converting a routine journey into a desperate struggle for survival as flames and thick black smoke rapidly engulfed the ship.

Chaos and Panic as Fire Spreads

Eyewitness accounts and dramatic mobile phone footage shared across social platforms captured the terror onboard. Passengers, including families with children, were seen scrambling for life jackets, some leaping into the sea to escape the fast-spreading fire. The thick column of black smoke was reportedly visible from several kilometers away.

Immediate Response: Mass Rescue Operation

As soon as distress calls were received, Indonesia’s maritime rescue agencies launched a large-scale operation.

• At least 18 passengers have been confirmed injured, with authorities warning that the number may rise as full passenger rolls are verified.
• Dozens of survivors were pulled from the water by fishermen and rescue boats, with efforts concentrated near Talis Island and the surrounding waters.
• Many passengers swam to safety or clung to floating debris until help arrived.

Fishermen Become Heroes

Local fishermen, some in small boats, rushed to the burning ferry’s location after hearing cries for help. They managed to save a significant number of passengers, ferrying them back to shore and providing immediate assistance even as rescue teams continued arriving at the site.

Official Statement and Ongoing Rescue

Indonesian authorities have initiated a probe into the cause of the fire and are still conducting search and rescue operations. While preliminary reports suggest no fatalities as of now, officials caution that the situation remains fluid and all crew and passengers are still being accounted for.

Public Reaction & Viral Footage

Videos and eyewitness updates have gone viral online, showing the terrifying moments as desperate passengers jump overboard and fire consumes the vessel. The incident has reignited discussions about maritime safety standards, overcrowding, and emergency preparedness on Indonesia’s busy inter-island ferries.

Summary Table: KM Barcelona Ferry Fire Incident

Authorities continue to search for missing passengers and assess the cause of the disaster. More updates are expected as the rescue mission progresses and officials confirm casualty numbers and details of survivors.