A tragic ferry fire off the coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia, has left three people dead and more than 500 rescued, according to emergency officials. The incident occurred on July 20, 2025, aboard the KM Barcelona 5.

The ferry was traveling from Melonguane port in Talaud Islands district toward Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, when the fire broke out. Panic ensued as thick black smoke and flames engulfed the vessel.

Terrifying videos circulated across social media, showing frightened passengers—many wearing life jackets—jumping overboard into the sea to escape the blaze.

One of the videos, released by Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency, captured a coastguard vessel battling the flames with water hoses as the ship continued to burn.

Initial reports indicated that five people had died in the incident. However, the death toll was later revised to three after two individuals were successfully revived in hospital care.

Among the survivors was a two-month-old baby, initially feared dead. Doctors managed to save the infant despite the baby’s lungs being filled with seawater.

In total, at least 568 people were rescued during the dramatic operation, according to a statement issued by the national search and rescue agency.

The rescue involved a coordinated effort, with six rescue ships, a coastguard vessel, and several inflatable boats deployed to save as many passengers as possible.

Franky Pasuna Sihombing, chief of the Manado navy base, told the Associated Press that the rapid response helped prevent greater loss of life.

This tragic event follows a series of maritime accidents in Indonesia, a country made up of over 17,000 islands where ferries are a primary mode of transport.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities are reviewing safety protocols to prevent similar disasters in the future.