At least five people, including a pregnant woman, died after a ferry carrying over 280 passengers caught fire near North Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Sunday.
The ferry, KM Barcelona VA, was traveling from Talaud to Manado when it became engulfed in flames around noon. Passengers were seen jumping into the sea, many wearing bright orange life jackets, as panic spread across the vessel.
One of the victims, identified as a pregnant woman, was confirmed dead by Nuriadin Gumeleng, a public relations officer for the Manado SAR Office. “Her body is now on land,” he said.
In a video uploaded to Facebook, passenger Abdul Rahmad Agu pleaded, “We are burning at sea… we need help… fast.” He later told media that thick smoke spread quickly, and fishermen helped evacuate children first.
Navy officials suggest overcrowding may have complicated rescue efforts, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
This tragedy highlights ongoing safety concerns with maritime travel in Indonesia.
