Indonesian rescuers reported that more than 560 people were rescued and three died after a passenger ferry caught fire at sea on Sunday. The KM Barcelona 5 was traveling from Melonguane port in the Talaud Islands to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, when the fire broke out around midday.
According to First Admiral Franky Pasuna Sihombing, chief of the Manado navy base, a coast guard ship, six rescue vessels, and several inflatable boats were involved in the large-scale rescue effort. Many passengers were pulled from the sea and taken to nearby islands. Local fishermen also assisted by rescuing people who had jumped into the water wearing life jackets.
Footage shared on social media showed terrified passengers leaping into the sea as flames and thick smoke engulfed the vessel. Although early reports stated five fatalities, that number was revised to three after two passengers, including a 2-month-old baby, were found alive and treated in hospital.
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