Passengers jump from burning ship into the sea in Indonesia

Panic and chaos unfolded off the coast of Indonesia after a passenger ferry caught fire mid-voyage, forcing dozens of terrified passengers to leap into the sea to save their lives. The incident occurred near the eastern province of Maluku on Saturday, drawing immediate emergency response from maritime rescue teams.

According to officials from Indonesia’s transportation ministry, the fire broke out aboard the KM Umsini ferry while it was en route from Ambon to Bau-Bau. Thick plumes of black smoke and flames engulfed parts of the ship, prompting a mass evacuation. Videos circulating on social media showed passengers, including women and children, jumping overboard into the surrounding waters while clutching life vests and personal belongings.

More than 200 people were on board at the time of the incident. Fortunately, early reports confirmed that all passengers and crew were safely evacuated, with several nearby vessels assisting in the rescue. Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) coordinated the efforts, deploying boats and helicopters to ensure everyone was accounted for.

"We received a distress call at around 9:30 AM local time and dispatched our teams immediately," said a BASARNAS official. "Thanks to the swift response, no fatalities have been reported."

Authorities are now investigating the cause of the fire, which reportedly began in the ship’s engine room. Eyewitnesses claimed they heard a loud explosion before seeing flames spread rapidly across the deck.

Indonesia, an archipelago nation of more than 17,000 islands, is heavily reliant on ferries for transportation. However, ferry accidents are not uncommon due to poor safety regulations, overloading, and aging vessels.

The government has promised a thorough investigation and pledged to enhance safety protocols to prevent future tragedies. Meanwhile, passengers are being treated for shock and minor injuries, and temporary shelters have been set up for those who lost their belongings in the fire.