Emperor Explorer Liveaboard Destroyed by Fire in Maldives A fire broke out on the liveaboard diving vessel Emperor Explorer off the coast of Hulhumalé in the Maldives on Saturday, May 9, 2026, resulting in catastrophic damage to the 42-meter ship. Footage shared on social media showed thick black smoke engulfing the vessel and its surroundings, with passengers and crew seen jumping into the water as the blaze spread rapidly. Despite the severity of the incident, all guests and crew were safely evacuated, with no serious injuries reported. However, two crew members were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, according to local media. The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) deployed firefighters from the Hulhumalé fire station to the scene, but the vessel was ultimately beyond repair. Emperor Group, the operator of the liveaboard, confirmed via social media that the Emperor Explorer was lost in the fire. The company stated that all passengers and crew were transferred to its sister vessel, Emperor Serenity, where they are receiving care. CEO Alexander Bryant emphasized the priority of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone on board, expressing gratitude for the safe evacuation. The incident marks the third liveaboard vessel destroyed by fire in the Maldives within 18 months. The Yasawa Princess was lost in a fire in December 2025, and the Blue Voyager suffered a similar fate in 2024. This follows the destruction of the Emperor Seven Seas in March 2025, which burned while moored at Port Ghalib in the Egyptian Red Sea. The Emperor Explorer was scheduled to be retired by the end of May 2026, following the launch of its replacement, Emperor Explorer II, which is set to begin service in August.#maldives #emperor_group #alexander_bryant #emperor_explorer #mndf
