Indonesia: Three die as massive fire breaks out on ferry, passengers jump into water to save themselves

According to reports, three people died in the ferry tragedy.

Rescuers have evacuated 280 passengers from the ferry.

The ferry, Barcelona, was en route from Talaud Island to the provincial capital of Manado when it erupted in flames around midday, prompting many passengers to jump into the sea in panic, the Jakarta Globe reported/

“All victims have been evacuated,” Vice Admiral Denih Hendrata of the Indonesian Navy said in a written statement as quoted by the news portal.

Rear Admiral May Franky Pasuna Sihombing, who was involved in the evacuation, told the news portal that three people died in the tragedy.

“In the latest count, out of 280 passengers, three have been confirmed dead,” he said.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.