At least five dead as Indonesian ferry catches fire; hundreds rescued

A ferry carrying more than 280 people caught fire off the coast of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Sunday, killing at least five people, including a pregnant woman, according to the Associated Press. The ferry, named KM Barcelona 5, was traveling from the Talaud Islands to Manado when it caught fire near Talisei Island, sparking panic and a large-scale rescue operation.

The fire broke out around noon local time, quickly spreading across the ferry’s upper decks and sending thick black smoke into the sky. Passengers scrambled for safety, with many jumping into the rough waters wearing bright orange life jackets. Videos shared on social media showed terrified passengers escaping the burning vessel by leaping into the sea.

Vice Admiral Denih Hendrata, Commander of the Indonesian Fleet Command, confirmed that 284 passengers and crew members have been rescued so far. Navy ships and local fishermen joined the rescue efforts, helping those who were drifting in the water. Hendrata added that the exact number of people onboard is still unclear, and the cause of the fire is being investigated.

Dramatic footage released by the National Search and Rescue Agency showed thick smoke rising from the ferry as rescuers pulled survivors to safety. Rescued passengers were being taken to nearby Ganga Island, according to Nuriadin Gumeleng, a spokesperson for the North Sulawesi Search and Rescue Agency.

One survivor, Alwina Inang, wife of a local police officer, told local media that she spent about an hour in the water before being rescued. She recalled that passengers were eating when smoke suddenly filled the bridge, prompting everyone to jump into the sea immediately.

The ferry was traveling a well-known route between the Talaud Islands and Manado. A passenger named Abdul Rahmad Agu filmed a live Facebook video during the incident, showing himself holding a toddler and calling for help.

Authorities continue searching for missing passengers, and the death toll is expected to rise. This tragedy follows recent ferry accidents in Indonesia, including a ferry capsizing near Bali earlier this month that killed at least 19 people, and a speedboat capsizing near the Mentawai Islands during a storm just days ago.