Emperor Explorer Lost to Fire in Maldives The liveaboard vessel Emperor Explorer was destroyed in a fire that broke out on May 9, according to its operator, Emperor Group. The incident occurred near the Fish Factory dive site, close to the Maldives’ capital, Malé. All guests and crew were evacuated and transferred to the Emperor Serenity, a smaller vessel in the fleet, with no injuries reported. Emperor Group CEO Alexander Bryant emphasized that the safety of everyone on board was the top priority, stating, “We are profoundly grateful that all guests and crew are safe and well.” The operator is now focusing on supporting those affected. The Emperor Explorer, a 42-meter vessel built in 2019, had been scheduled to retire at the end of May. It had previously operated seven-night “Best Of Maldives” itineraries, accommodating up to 26 guests and 14 crew members, including four dive guides and three dhoni crew. The ship’s successor, the Emperor Explorer II, a 44-meter vessel launched earlier this year, was set to become the flagship of the fleet, with operations planned to begin in August. Eyewitness Eliška Hofmannová, who recorded the event from the nearby Princess Sara liveaboard, described the fire as spreading rapidly. “The ship burned down and sank during the night,” she said. “I’m very glad everyone is safe.” She noted that some individuals had to jump into the water to escape the blaze, which reportedly spread quickly enough to force quick evacuations. The cause of the fire and details of the evacuation remain under investigation. The Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard, the country’s maritime enforcement and rescue authority, is expected to lead the official inquiry into the incident. The fire occurred near the Fish Factory dive site, a location known for its diving activities.#emperor_group #alexander_bryant #emperor_explorer #emperor_explorer_ii #fish_factory
