At least three people have died and 575 passengers have been rescued after a passenger ferry caught fire off the coast of Indonesia’s Sulawesi island.
Two people remain missing. Initial reports indicated over 280 passengers were rescued but in the last few hours the number of people rescued has risen to 575.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire that began in the ferry’s stern on Sunday 20 July and was extinguished within an hour, according to rescue agencies.
Smoke could be seen billowing from the KM III Barcelona as the flames ripped through the superstructure.
Videos circulating online show terrified passengers were seen jumping into the water to escape the flames.
Video shows people jumping into the sea as fire engulfs the KM Barcelona VA near Talise Island, Indonesia. Rescue teams have begun evacuating the burning ship. pic.twitter.com/gl2zZElWih
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) July 20, 2025
The Indonesian Navy, the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla), and local search and rescue teams were deployed in the joint rescue effort.
According to the Indonesian coastguard, the ferry was as making its way from Melonguane port in Talaud Islands district towards the city of Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province, after the fire broke out on Sunday 20 July.
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