Fire Chaos on World Legacy Cruise Ship as Dawn Turns Deadly
Disaster struck the World Legacy cruise ship at dawn. A fierce fire ripped through the vessel en route to Singapore, forcing a frantic evacuation of nearly 600 passengers. Amid choking smoke and chaos, one crew member died and four others remain hospitalised.
Passengers Recall Nightmare on Smoke-Choked Decks
Survivors described terrifying scenes as smoke engulfed the ship. One passenger said, “It wasn’t until 7:10am that we were told to move down to deck three to wait for the rescue boat.”
The ordeal dragged on for hours. Passengers huddled in safety vests, shivering and exhausted from 7:20am until 9:20am. “Four hours of cold, wet, exhaustion and fatigue,” one survivor recalled. “Some also suffered from smoke inhalation and breathing difficulties.”
Another told Shin Min Daily News: “Many passengers were frightened and ran out… The scene was noisy and chaotic.” Thick smoke poured from the upper decks as the acrid smell of burning filled the air.
Blaze Started in Deck Nine Lounge
Investigators believe the fire began in the lounge area on deck nine. Videos from social media show terrified passengers patiently awaiting evacuation amidst the smoke.
Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority confirmed a safety zone was set up around the ship to keep other vessels away. “The deceased crew member, an Indonesian national, has been transferred ashore. The Indonesian embassy has been notified,” officials said.
An official probe into the blaze’s cause is now underway.
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts
- Nearly 600 passengers evacuated safely
- One crew member dead, four injured and hospitalised
- Authorities enforced a safety perimeter around the vessel
- Rescue boats ferried survivors to safety after tense waits
This latest cruise disaster serves as a grim reminder of the dangers fires pose on large passenger ships. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families in this tragic hour.
