A horrifying incident unfolded off Talise Island in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Sunday when a passenger ferry, KM Barcelona VA, caught fire while en route to Manado Port. The ferry was carrying around 280 passengers, many of whom were forced to jump into the sea to escape the rapidly spreading flames.

At least five people have been confirmed dead, while nearly 150 have been rescued by a joint effort involving search and rescue teams and local fishing boats, according to Veri Ariyanto, a senior official at the provincial Search and Rescue Office.

The fire reportedly broke out around 1:30 pm local time, sending thick black smoke billowing from the upper decks. A video livestreamed on Facebook by passenger Abdul Rahmad Agu captured the chaotic scenes onboard. Agu, floating in the sea while holding a baby, pleaded for urgent help: “Help, the KM Barcelona V is on fire. There are still many people on board… We are burning at sea… we need help… fast.”

Survivor Alwina Inang, the wife of a local police traffic chief, described the panic onboard. “It happened very quickly. Around 12:00 WITA, someone shouted that there was a fire at the rear of the ship, and we immediately panicked,” she told Antara news.

The ferry had departed from the Talaud Islands, and its journey had already been delayed due to a storm the previous day. The delay, combined with the sudden fire outbreak, has raised concerns about possible mechanical issues, electrical faults, or engine malfunctions.

Authorities have launched an official investigation into the cause of the fire. As search and rescue operations continue, officials remain focused on locating and saving any remaining passengers possibly trapped on the ferry.

This incident has once again spotlighted the safety standards and emergency preparedness of passenger ferries in the region, which are often overcrowded and lack robust safety infrastructure.