Ferry Catches Fire in Indonesia with 280 Onboard, Passengers Jump into Sea(Video)
A horrifying scene unfolded off the coast of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, as a ferry carrying over 280 people caught fire mid-voyage, prompting a frantic rescue effort and a now-viral livestream capturing the chaos.
The ferry, KM Barcelona V, was traveling from the Talaud Islands to Manado when it was engulfed in flames near Talise Island, just before reaching its destination. Amid the panic, one passenger, Abdul Rahmad Agu, livestreamed the terrifying moment on Facebook while holding a crying baby and floating in the open sea. Wearing a bright orange life vest, Abdul can be heard pleading for help as smoke and flames rapidly consumed the vessel.
“We are burning at sea… there are still many people onboard,” he says in the video, which lasts approximately 28 minutes. The footage shows terrified passengers screaming and jumping overboard into the sea as thick black smoke darkens the sky.
So far, at least five people have been confirmed dead, and 284 passengers and crew have been rescued, according to the Associated Press. Rescue operations are ongoing, with search and rescue teams setting up a base near Likupang Port. Fishing boats, local volunteers, and official rescue vessels have joined the efforts.
Survivors watched from nearby boats in disbelief as the once-blue and white ferry burned down to a blackened metal shell. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with authorities yet to determine whether it was due to an engine failure, electrical fault, or another issue.
The KM Barcelona V ferry blaze has shocked the nation, with many hailing the courage of survivors like Abdul who documented the tragedy while trying to save others. Emergency teams continue to search the waters, as families anxiously await updates on their loved ones.
