TEMPO.CO, Ternate - A passenger ferry KM III Barcelona bound for the Talaud Islands, caught fire in the waters of North Minahasa on Sunday, July 20, 2025. The ship was carrying hundreds of passengers.

Information obtained by Tempo said the ferry caught fire at 02:30 p.m. local time. The incident took place 10 miles northwest of Likupang, North Minahasa, not far from Talise Island.

Prior to the incident, the vessel had departed from Manado Port on Sunday, July 20, 2025, heading to Tahuna Port.

Videos circulating on social media showed the ferry engulfed in flames on the upper deck, causing thick black smoke to billow high. Several passengers were seen panicking and leaping into the sea to save themselves.

North Minahasa Regent Joune JE Ganda confirmed the incident when contacted by Tempo. 

At least dozens of surviving passengers have been evacuated by fishers and the Basarnas rescuers to Gangga II Island, an inhabited island in West Likupang District.

"Currently, the surviving passengers on Gangga Island are being transferred to Monte Health Center in Likupang. My team and I are currently heading to the location," said Joune.

According to Joune, they are currently focused on the evacuation efforts for the surviving passengers, with the help of the local Basarnas team. Dozens of health workers have been prepared to assist in handling the passengers.

"The Governor of North Sulawesi has even instructed the Manado and Bitung port authorities to participate in evacuating the surviving passengers. Currently, we are still focused on the rescue efforts for the passengers first," Joune explained.

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