5 killed after Indonesian ferry catches fire; hundreds rescued

A ferry carrying over 280 people caught fire off the coast of North Sulawesi in Indonesia on Sunday killing at least five, including a pregnant woman, reports the Associated Press. 

The vessel, identified as KM Barcelona 5, was en route from Talaud Islands to Manado when it was engulfed in flames near Talisei Island, following which chaos erupted and a massive rescue effort was launched.

The fire reportedly broke out around 12 pm causing panic among passengers as thick, black smoke billowed while flames rapidly spread across the ferry's upper decks. Harrowing videos posted on social media showed dozens of terrified passengers jumping overboard into choppy waters, many wearing bright orange life jackets.

The Associated Press report quoted Vice Admiral Denih Hendrata, Commander of the Indonesian Fleet Command confirming that 284 passengers and crew members had been evacuated thus far with assistance from three navy ships and local fishermen who rescued people drifting in the sea.

Hendrata was quoted saying they are still focusing on evacuation efforts and added that the exact number of passengers who were onboard is unclear and cause of fire is under investigation.

Meanwhile, the National Search and Rescue Agency released visuals of the rescue operation, showing plumes of smoke rising from the vessel and survivors being pulled to safety.

Rescued passengers, according to another People report, were being transported to nearby Ganga Island, Nuriadin Gumeleng, a spokesperson for North Sulawesi Search and Rescue Agency said.

A survivor, Alwina Inang, wife of a local police official, recalled surviving in the water for about an hour. She told local media outlet Detik that passengers were eating when thick smoke suddenly entered the bridge. 

"We immediately jumped into the sea," she added.

The vessel was travelling along a familiar route between the Talaud Islands and Manado, a GB News report stated. 

It added that a Facebook live video, shot by a passenger named Abdul Rahmad Agu, who was seen holding a toddler while seeking help, captured the harrowing moments.

As of now, the number of casualties in the fire is expected to rise as authorities continue to search for missing passengers.