Deadly Fire On Indonesia Tourist Ferry Has Bali Holidaymakers Questioning Transport Safety

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Indonesia has been left in shock after a passenger ferry caught fire in the water off North Sulawesi on Sunday, 20th July.

Terrifying video footage from the scene shows passengers scrambling to put on lifejackets as plumes of black smoke rise from the vessel behind them. 

Leaders have confirmed that at least three people have died in the incident. Dozens of passengers had to jump from the burning vessel into the ocean without knowing when or how they would be rescued. The incident took place in the waters off Manado, where it was shortly due to dock. The vessel, named KM Barcelona 5, was listed as having 280 passengers on board, and Search and Rescue teams, along with maritime authorities, are now working to establish the cause of the blaze.

A statement issued by Indonesia Search and Rescue, BASARNAS, explains, “The SAR team is currently combing the waters around the fire site to ensure no passengers are left behind or adrift at sea.”

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The statement continues, “In addition to the BASARNAS team, other potential SAR elements, including the Indonesian Navy, the Water Police (Polairnud), the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), and local fishermen, are also assisting in the rescue process.”

Reports from Sulawesi suggest that it was local fishermen who were first on the scene to help rescue passengers who had jumped from the ship. Initial reports announced that five passengers lost their lives in the disaster, though medical teams were later able to confirm that they were able to save two of the individuals in question, including a 2-month-old baby who has been admitted to the hospital with water in their lungs. 

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The news comes in the same weekend that a tourist ferry in Vietnam capsized, killing at least 35 people in the popular resort of Ha Long Bay. It was only two weeks ago in the Bali Strait when a ferry carrying at least 53 passengers sank just minutes after departure from East Java en route to Bali’s Gilimanuk Harbour. 

Work is now underway to locate and recover the bodies of those unable to be saved, and to recover the KMP Tunu Pratama Jaya ferry to better establish the cause of the disaster. The incident took place on 2nd July, and while Search and Rescue Teams have worked around the clock to locate passengers aboard the ferry, many are still missing, and bodies have been washing up on the shores of both East Java and West Bali. 

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On the 14th July, Search and Rescue Leader, Haranto, told reporters during a virtual press conference that work will begin to recover the vessel, which had moved at least 800m from the point at which it sank.

He noted, “The location of the ship has been confirmed. The next stage is the location point marking, which we will immediately implement.”

On 4th June 2025, a fast boat preparing to depart from Nusa Lembongan’s Tanjung Sanghyang Port to Sanur capsized when it was hit by a high wave. Though all 89 passengers and crew aboard the vessel were rescued without major injury, the incident left many traumatised and in fear for their lives. 

These recent sea transport disasters in Indonesia have triggered the Australian travel authorities to issue updated safety advice to tourists visiting the country, especially the nation’s top destination, Bali. 

Australia’s Smartraveler explains, “We’ve reviewed our advice for Indonesia and continue to advise exercising a high degree of caution.”

“Australians have drowned in coastal areas due to rough seas and strong rip currents at popular tourist beaches, including in Bali. Many beaches are unpatrolled.”

Adding “Travel by boat or ferry can be dangerous. Commercial and private boat and ferry operators may not comply with international safety and maintenance standards. Australians have been seriously injured or have died in marine transport incidents.”