Jakarta. Indonesian Navy and search and rescue teams, with assistance from local fishermen, successfully evacuated 280 people from a ferry that caught fire off the coast of North Sulawesi on Sunday. At least three passengers were confirmed dead.

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.

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

Photos and videos from the aftermath show charred sections of the vessel, with smoke stains darkening parts of the upper deck. Earlier, thick smoke and flames engulfed the ship, triggering chaos among passengers.

Rear Admiral May Franky Pasuna Sihombing, who was involved in the evacuation, confirmed that three people died in the incident.

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

The Indonesian Navy deployed two vessels -- KRI Pari and KAL Tedung Selar -- to lead the rescue operation. The Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) also dispatched the KN Gajah Laut patrol boat, while local fishermen played a crucial role in helping pull survivors from the water and transferring them to rescue ships.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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