Fatal fire engulfs cruise ship with hundreds of passengers aboard: I panicked'

Published: Friday, February 20, 2026 at 6:25 pm

Cruise Ship Fire Near Singapore Leaves One Dead, Passengers Evacuated

Singapore – A fire broke out on the World Legacy cruise ship en route to Singapore early on February 20th, resulting in one crew member's death and the hospitalization of four passengers. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) reported that the vessel carried 271 passengers, with 139 of them from Singapore, and 338 crew members.

The MPA was alerted to the fire around 4 a.m. local time. The fire, which occurred in the lounge area on deck nine, was extinguished by Singapore Civil Defence Forces (SCDF) firefighters. Passengers were evacuated to HarbourFront Ferry Terminal.

According to the MPA, all 271 passengers were safely evacuated, though at least four were transferred to a hospital. One passenger described the experience on social media, detailing the evacuation process and the increasing density of smoke. Another passenger reported that one individual suffered fractured ribs.

The deceased crew member, an Indonesian national, has been transferred ashore. The MPA has established a safety zone around the vessel and is issuing navigational broadcasts to advise passing vessels to keep clear. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

BNN's Perspective: This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety protocols on cruise ships. While the swift evacuation and containment of the fire are commendable, the loss of life is a tragic reminder of the potential dangers at sea. A thorough investigation into the cause of the fire is crucial to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of both passengers and crew.

Keywords: cruise ship fire, Singapore, World Legacy, passenger evacuation, crew member death, MPA, Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, fire investigation, safety zone, Indonesian national, HarbourFront Ferry Terminal, deck nine, lounge area, SCDF, Singapore Civil Defence Forces, passenger injuries, cruise ship safety

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