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Fire on the Emperor Explorer

Operator
Vessel
Date
Location
near the Fish Factory dive-site, Hulhumale, near Male, Maldives
Fatalities
0

According to Divernet and DIVE Magazine, fire broke out aboard the liveaboard Emperor Explorer, operated by Emperor Group, on 9 May 2026 while the vessel lay in the Hulhumale lagoon close to Male: Maldives Maritime Journal described her as moored in the lagoon, Atoll Times as anchored between Kurumba and Hulhumale with the fire reported around 5pm, and early dive-press reports placed the fire near the Fish Factory dive-site. The fire spread quickly enough that some aboard jumped over the side. All guests and crew were evacuated to the sister vessel Emperor Serenity; DIVE Magazine reported two crew members were hospitalised for smoke inhalation. Atoll Times reported a preliminary indication that the fire may have started in the laundry area. An investigation by the Maldives National Defence Force Coast Guard was expected.

Conditions that day

Wind
12 to 17 kn from 280°
Strongest gust
22 kn
Hour by hour (24 of 24 hours, UTC)
UTCWindGustFrom
00:0012 kn19 knW
01:0012 kn18 kn280°
02:0012 kn17 kn280°
03:0012 kn18 kn280°
04:0013 kn19 kn280°
05:0014 kn19 kn280°
06:0014 kn19 kn280°
07:0014 kn19 kn280°
08:0015 kn19 kn290°
09:0016 kn20 kn290°
10:0013 kn20 kn290°
11:0013 kn20 kn290°
12:0014 kn20 kn290°
13:0014 kn20 kn290°
14:0015 kn20 kn280°
15:0015 kn19 kn280°
16:0015 kn20 kn280°
17:0015 kn20 kn280°
18:0015 kn20 kn280°
19:0016 kn21 kn280°
20:0016 kn21 kn280°
21:0017 kn22 knW
22:0015 kn22 kn280°
23:0016 kn22 knW

ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, sampled 5 km from the recorded position. Modelled conditions across the whole day, not an observation at the vessel: a grid this coarse averages away the localised squall or wave a report may describe. Not a statement of cause.

Photos

Fire on the Emperor Explorer | DiveSafe