At least five people, including a pregnant woman, died after a ferry carrying over 280 passengers caught fire near North Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Sunday.
The ferry, KM Barcelona VA, was traveling from Talaud to Manado when it became engulfed in flames around noon. Passengers were seen jumping into the sea, many wearing bright orange life jackets, as panic spread across the vessel.
Commander Denih Hendrata of the Indonesian Fleet Command confirmed that 284 passengers and crew were initially evacuated with help from three navy ships and local fishermen.
One of the victims, identified as a pregnant woman, was confirmed dead by Nuriadin Gumeleng, a public relations officer for the Manado SAR Office. “Her body is now on land,” he said.
The exact number of people on board remains uncertain, as ferry manifests in Indonesia often underestimate passenger counts. While the manifest listed 280 passengers and 15 crew, authorities said by Monday afternoon that 575 people had been rescued. Among the survivors was a 2-month-old baby, now stable after inhaling seawater.
In a video uploaded to Facebook, passenger Abdul Rahmad Agu pleaded, “We are burning at sea… we need help… fast.” He later told media that thick smoke spread quickly, and fishermen helped evacuate children first.
Navy officials suggest overcrowding may have complicated rescue efforts, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
This tragedy highlights ongoing safety concerns with maritime travel in Indonesia.
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