A massive fire broke out onboard a crowded ferry off the coast of North Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Sunday afternoon, forcing passengers to leap into the sea to escape the flames.

The vessel, identified as KM Barcelona VA, was traveling from the Talaud Islands to Manado City when it caught fire around 1:30 p.m. local time, just as it approached Talise Island in North Minahasa Regency.

 Passengers Flee as Flames Erupt

Panic spread rapidly onboard as thick black smoke poured from the lower decks. In dramatic scenes captured on camera, terrified passengers wearing life jackets were seen jumping overboard while others screamed for help.

One passenger, Abdul Rahmad Agu, livestreamed the incident on Facebook, showing the raging fire and pleading for urgent assistance.

“Help, the KM Barcelona V is on fire. There are still many people on board,” he said in the 28-minute live video.
“We are burning at sea… we need help… fast…”

Vessel Reduced to Wreckage

Footage from the scene showed the ship consumed by flames, turning the once-blue ferry into a charred skeletal frame, with twisted metal and destroyed hull sections visible as the fire gutted the vessel.

Nearby vessels, including fishing boats and three rescue ships — KM Barcelona III, KM Venecian, and KM Cantika Lestari 9F — were dispatched to help evacuate survivors, according to officials from the Manado Search and Rescue Office.

“Rescue efforts are ongoing, and we hope all passengers can be rescued,” said George Leo Mercy Randang, head of the Manado SAR.

Search and Rescue Ongoing

While exact passenger numbers remain unconfirmed, reports suggest that around 280 people were on board at the time of the fire.

A search and rescue post has been set up at Likupang Port, and families have been urged to stay calm while waiting for updates.

Authorities have not confirmed any casualties as of press time, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Tragedy in Vietnam: 37 Dead in Separate Incident

In a separate maritime tragedy, high winds in Halong Bay, Vietnam, caused the Wonder Sea boat to capsize with 53 people on board.

According to VN Express, 37 bodies were recovered, 11 survived, and 5 remain missing.