In a stunning turn of events, the Marella Explorer, one of Marella Cruises’ flagship vessels, was forced to make an emergency stop after a sudden engine room fire broke out during a Mediterranean voyage late Tuesday night.
According to eyewitnesses, thick black smoke began billowing from the rear of the ship shortly after 10:30 PM local time, triggering panic among passengers. Alarms were sounded and crew members acted swiftly to contain the situation, initiating evacuation protocols.
Over 1,800 passengers and crew were onboard at the time. Emergency lifeboats were deployed, and several nearby ships responded to distress signals. Preliminary reports suggest that at least 15 people sustained minor injuries due to smoke inhalation and chaos during the evacuation. No fatalities have been reported.
The fire was brought under control within hours, but power loss left the ship adrift for nearly 12 hours before tugboats arrived to assist. The cause of the fire is under investigation, with early speculation pointing to a fuel line malfunction.
Marella Cruises has yet to release a full statement but confirmed the voyage has been cancelled and all guests are being flown home.
One passenger described the ordeal as “the most terrifying night of my life,” while another said, “We thought we were going to die at sea.”
More updates to follow as investigations continue.
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