Emperor Seven Seas Liveaboard Destroyed by Fire
In the early hours of 13 March, a fire broke out aboard the Emperor Seven Seas while it was moored in Port Ghalib, Egypt. Despite efforts to contain the blaze, the vessel was ultimately lost. Fortunately, all passengers and crew successfully evacuated, with no reported injuries.
According to Emperor Divers, the crew and guests executed emergency protocols swiftly, ensuring that everyone was brought safely ashore. Emperor Divers’ ground team has since been assisting those affected, ensuring they receive necessary support.
Ongoing investigation
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and an official investigation is expected to follow. This incident comes in the wake of a series of similar liveaboard accidents in the Red Sea and beyond, raising concerns within the diving community. As discussed in our previous coverage, Is There Cause for Concern Over Liveaboards?, fire safety aboard these vessels has been a growing topic of discussion.
Industry-wide vigilance
While liveaboards remain a popular and generally safe choice for divers, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the importance of strict fire prevention measures. Many operators have reinforced safety protocols, particularly concerning lithium-ion battery charging, which has been a suspected cause in past fires.
For now, Emperor Divers is focused on supporting those affected by the loss of Emperor Seven Seas, while the diving community awaits further details on the investigation.
