Three people have reportedly died and more than 500 others rescued when a fire erupted from a ferry off the coast of Sulawesi, emergency officials confirmed on Monday.
The blaze broke out aboard the KM Barcelona 5 on Sunday as it sailed from Melonguane port in the Talaud Islands toward Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province.
The Head of the Manado rescue agency, George Leo Mercy said, “Until now, the joint rescue team is still conducting the search and rescue operation because the data is still developing.
“Our post is still open 24 hours a day, in case families want to report about their missing relative.”
Terrified passengers were seen jumping overboard, many wearing life jackets, as flames and thick black smoke engulfed the upper deck.
“The air was full of smoke and everyone started panicking,” said survivor Johan Rumewo. “I managed to grab a life jacket and jumped into the sea. I floated for about an hour before being rescued.”
Initially, officials reported five fatalities, but the number was revised to three after two survivors including a two-month-old baby were found alive and treated in hospital.
The national search and rescue agency confirmed that at least 568 people were rescued.
The ferry’s manifest had listed only 280 passengers and 15 crew, despite having a capacity for 600, raising concerns about possible overloading.
Franky Pasuna Sihombing, chief of the Manado navy base, said a large-scale rescue operation was launched involving a coastguard vessel, six rescue boats, and several inflatables.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire originated on the upper deck. No cause has been officially confirmed.
