Terrifying Scenes! Viral Video Captures People Jumping Into Sea As Massive Fire Engulfs Ferry In Indonesia

(MENAFN- Live Mint) A massive fire on Sunday engulfed the KM Barcelona VA vessel off the coast of Indonesia, and it forced passengers to jump into the sea , reported Indonesian news outlet Detik.

The report added that the incident took place on a ferry carrying over 300 people in the country's North Sulawesi province at around 1.30 pm local time. Also, several reports claimed that three people have died till now.

Informing more about the incident, a senior official at the provincial Search and Rescue Office, Veri Ariyanto, told the Xinhua news agency, "Three people died and nearly 150 were rescued. They were rescued by a combined team of rescuers and local fishing boats."

While no official confirmation of the casualties have arrived, videos footage showed passengers clad in bright orange life jackets with the blaze ripping through the ship.

Meanwhile, the search and rescue operation is ongoing. Ariyanto added that they have deployed two ships, several boats, and other vessels for the rescue. Also, local fishermen are assisting in rescue efforts.

Naming the three rescue ships dispatched to the scene to help evacuate survivors, Manado KSOP officer confirmed, "There are KM Barcelona III, KM Venecian, and KM Cantika Lestari 9F."

As per the local media, the vessel – KM Barcelona 5 – was ferrying 280 passengers and was scheduled to dock at Manado Port.

"According to initial information, the fire is located (off) Talise island," Jerry Harmonsina, secretary of the North Sulawesi Regional Disaster Management Agency, told Detik.

"The evacuation is currently underway, involving various units from the Navy, the National Search and Rescue Agency, the Coast Guard (as well as) assistance from local fishermen in the surrounding area," Jerry added.

The videos also show that the blue and white vessel turned into a burned black carcass after flames tore it inside out. The fire completely destroyed the hull , and the metal bars from the ship's internal structure became exposed.

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