Indonesia KM Barcelona 5 Ferry Fire: Safety Tips and Travel Guide for Muslim Travellers

For many travellers – especially Muslim travellers exploring Indonesia’s stunning islands – ferries are a lifeline, connecting remote paradises like the Talaud Islands and bustling cities like Manado in North Sulawesi. But Sunday, 20 July 2025, brought a terrifying reminder of how unpredictable sea travel can be when the KM Barcelona 5 ferry caught fire off Sulawesi, forcing hundreds of passengers to leap into the open sea to survive.

The ferry, which had departed Melonguane port in the Talaud Islands district, was bound for Manado, a city that often serves as a gateway for tourists, including Muslim travellers seeking halal seafood and easy access to mosques before venturing deeper into North Sulawesi’s natural wonders.

Also read: 4D3N Muslim-Friendly Itinerary in Jakarta : Discover Historic Sites & Popular Halal Culinary Spots

What happened?

Image credit: @MadonsaIqbal | Official X

The blaze is believed to have started on the ferry’s upper deck, quickly filling the passenger areas with smoke. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as families scrambled for life jackets, clutching children and praying for safety. Videos shared on social media showed passengers, many of them in hijabs and modest attire, jumping into the sea, their silhouettes framed by thick black smoke and fierce orange flames.

Authorities confirmed that three people lost their lives, though early reports had placed the death toll at five. Two of those initially presumed dead were later saved in the hospital, including a two-month-old baby who survived after doctors cleared seawater from the child’s lungs.

On the brighter side, at least 568 passengers were rescued, thanks to a massive joint operation involving the Indonesian coastguard, six rescue vessels, and several inflatable boats. One survivor, Johan Rumewo, told local media how he woke up to find smoke flooding the cabin, grabbed a life jacket, and jumped into the sea, where he floated for about an hour before being pulled to safety.

How many people were onboard?

Image credit: @MadonsaIqbal | Official X

Official records stated that 280 passengers and 15 crew were registered, but local reports suggest the KM Barcelona 5 may have been carrying close to its 600-person capacity – a common issue in Indonesia, where ferries often become overcrowded during peak travel seasons.

For Muslim travellers, who might be venturing to places like Talaud for its untouched beaches or passing through Manado before flying onward, this raises a crucial question: how safe are ferries in Indonesia?

Staying safe while travelling by ferry in Indonesia

Indonesia is a breathtaking archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, but its marine transport system has long been plagued by lax safety standards, overcrowding, and unpredictable weather. In recent years, several tragic incidents have highlighted the risks:

• Just weeks ago, a ferry sank off Bali, killing at least 19 people.

• In March 2025, a boat capsized near Bali, killing an Australian woman.

• Back in 2018, more than 150 lives were lost when a ferry sank in Lake Toba, Sumatra.

For Muslim travellers, who may also be juggling considerations like finding halal food options onboard (most larger ferries do serve halal meals) and timing prayers at sea, safety often takes a backseat to convenience. But incidents like this underline the importance of taking precautions.

Always check the weather before booking or boarding a ferry. Indonesia’s tropical climate can quickly turn rough, and stormy conditions have caused several ferry disasters in the past. Travellers should also make an effort to book with reputable ferry operators, as locals or hotel staff can often recommend companies known for following proper safety protocols.

Upon boarding, it’s wise to locate life jackets immediately and keep them nearby, especially when travelling with children or the elderly. In emergencies, every second counts, and knowing where safety equipment is stored can save lives.

Planning prayer times is also essential, particularly for longer crossings or delays. Bringing a small travel prayer mat and a compass app can help Muslim travellers observe their prayers even while at sea, providing peace of mind during uncertain situations.

Lastly, having emergency contacts saved on your phone and noting the nearest mosques and hospitals at your destination can be a lifesaver. Whether for post-travel recovery, spiritual grounding, or urgent medical needs, being prepared ensures peace of mind on any Indonesian ferry journey.

Also read: Jakarta-Bandung Panoramic Train: A Must-Know Guide for Muslim Travellers

The takeaway for Muslim travellers

While the KM Barcelona 5 fire was a shocking tragedy, it’s a stark reminder that safety should always be the top priority when exploring Indonesia’s islands. Whether travelling for leisure, to dive in Bunaken’s reefs, or to experience Talaud’s serene beaches, Muslim travellers should stay vigilant, choosing safe operators, preparing for the unexpected, and knowing where to find halal food and prayer facilities along their route.

Indonesia remains one of the most beautiful destinations in the world for Muslim travellers, but as this incident shows, being informed and cautious can make all the difference.