• Source:JND
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Panic erupted off the coast of Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province on Sunday (July 20) when a massive fire broke out aboard a packed passenger ferry, forcing hundreds to leap into the sea to escape the flames. A viral video circulating on social media shows chaotic and terrifying scenes as plumes of thick black smoke engulf the KM Barcelona VA vessel, and desperate passengers jumping overboard. 

The ferry, which was en route from the Talaud Islands to Manado City, reportedly caught fire around 1:30 pm local time near Talise Island. Flames quickly consumed the upper decks, sending over 280 people scrambling for their lives.

Casualties And Rescue Op

Indonesian authorities and rescue teams confirmed that at least three people died, and more than 260 passengers have been rescued. Several survivors were picked up by local fishing boats and official rescue vessels. According to reports from Chinese news agency Xinhua and Indonesian outlet Detik, 18 passengers sustained injuries, including some children.

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“Three people died and nearly 150 were rescued by a combined team of responders and local fishing boats,” said Veri Ariyanto, a senior official from the provincial Search and Rescue Office. 

The rescue operation is still ongoing. The national search and rescue agency confirmed that evacuation efforts began promptly after the fire broke out. “According to initial information, the fire occurred off Talise Island,” said Jerry Harmonsina, secretary of the North Sulawesi Regional Disaster Management Agency.

In response to the emergency, authorities dispatched three rescue ships, KM Barcelona III, KM Venecian, and KM Cantika Lestari 9F, to aid in the evacuation. Drones and helicopters are also being considered to assist in locating missing individuals.

Passengers Jumped Into The Sea

As thick smoke billowed and flames spread rapidly across the vessel, terrified passengers had little choice but to jump into the ocean. Social media users who witnessed or survived the ordeal shared heart-stopping footage, showing people frantically trying to escape with children in tow.

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The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and a full investigation is expected to follow once the immediate crisis is resolved. The KM Barcelona VA was reportedly carrying more than 280 people and was scheduled to dock at Manado Port before disaster struck.