A deadly fire aboard an Indonesian ferry off the coast of Sulawesi has claimed the lives of three people, with more than 500 others rescued, officials confirmed on Monday.

The blaze erupted Sunday on the KM Barcelona 5 while it was en route from Melonguane port in the Talaud Islands to Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi province. According to George Leo Mercy Randang, head of the Manado rescue agency, search and rescue operations are ongoing. “Our post is open 24 hours in case families wish to report missing relatives,” he said.

Panic erupted as thick black smoke and flames quickly engulfed the upper deck. Terrified passengers, many wearing life jackets, were seen leaping into the sea to escape the flames.

Videos shared on social media captured the chaotic scenes aboard the vessel. “The air was full of smoke and everyone started panicking,” said survivor Johan Rumewo. “I managed to grab a life jacket and jumped. I floated for about an hour before I was rescued.”

Initial reports listed five fatalities, but the death toll was later revised to three after two additional survivors—including a two-month-old baby—were found alive and taken to a nearby hospital.

The National Search and Rescue Agency confirmed that at least 568 people were safely rescued. However, the ferry’s official manifest listed only 280 passengers and 15 crew, raising concerns about significant overloading. The vessel was licensed to carry up to 600 people.

Franky Pasuna Sihombing, chief of the Manado navy base, said the large-scale rescue involved a coastguard ship, six rescue boats, and multiple inflatable craft.

Preliminary findings suggest the fire started on the ferry’s upper deck, though the exact cause has not yet been determined. Authorities say a full investigation is underway.