A fire aboard the cruise ship World Legacy has left one crew member dead and prompted the evacuation of all 271 passengers, authorities in Singapore reported on . The incident, which occurred early this morning, underscores the ongoing risks associated with maritime travel and has prompted an investigation by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
The fire broke out at approximately while the vessel was en route to Singapore. According to the MPA, the blaze originated in the lounge area on deck nine. Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) marine firefighters successfully extinguished the fire.
Tragically, an Indonesian crew member, identified only by his initials P.L., a 23-year-old laundry attendant, died as a result of the incident. He was found collapsed in the lobby of deck nine by firefighters and pronounced dead at The cause of death was determined to be cardiopulmonary arrest secondary to asphyxiation, according to a statement released by the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore.
The Indonesian Embassy stated We see working with Singaporean authorities and the ship’s agent to facilitate the repatriation of Mr. P.L.’s remains to Indonesia and to ensure his family receives appropriate financial support. “All necessary procedures are conducted with due consideration for his family’s best interests,” the embassy said.
All 271 passengers, including 139 Singaporean nationals, were safely evacuated from the ship. Four individuals were transferred to a hospital for treatment. The extent of their injuries remains unclear.
Passengers described a chaotic and frightening scene as the fire erupted. One passenger, speaking on TikTok, recounted the experience as “a truly terrible and traumatising experience.” The passenger described hearing warning sounds and being rushed to decks seven and eight, noting that the smoke became increasingly dense as they ascended. “One uncle fractured his ribs,” the passenger added in their account.
The World Legacy had a total of 388 crew members on board at the time of the incident. The MPA confirmed that the crew worked to contain the fire while passengers were being evacuated at HarbourFront Ferry Terminal.
This incident follows a similar tragedy in Indonesia last year. On , a passenger ship, KM Barcelona 5, caught fire in the waters off North Sulawesi province, resulting in one death and the evacuation of approximately 280 passengers. That incident highlighted the vulnerability of passenger vessels in the Indonesian archipelago, a region with a high volume of maritime traffic.
The cause of the fire aboard the World Legacy is currently under investigation. The MPA has not yet released any preliminary findings. The investigation will likely focus on potential electrical faults, flammable materials, and adherence to safety regulations.
The incident raises questions about fire safety protocols on cruise ships and the effectiveness of emergency response procedures. While cruise ships are equipped with fire suppression systems and evacuation plans, the rapid spread of fire in a confined environment can pose significant challenges. The fact that a crew member lost his life underscores the inherent dangers faced by maritime personnel during such emergencies.
The Straits Times reported that the SCDF’s marine firefighters were instrumental in bringing the blaze under control. The quick response of the emergency services likely prevented further casualties and damage to the vessel.
This latest incident is likely to prompt a review of maritime safety standards in the region and could lead to calls for stricter regulations and enhanced training for crew members. The vulnerability of passenger ships to fire, as demonstrated by both this incident and the one in Indonesia last year, necessitates a renewed focus on preventative measures and emergency preparedness.
The MPA has stated that it will provide further updates as the investigation progresses. The focus remains on determining the cause of the fire and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
