In the evening of December 24th, 2025, at approximately 06:00 p.m., the safari vessel Yasawa Princess (1985-built, IMO 8325638) operated by Deep Blue Dive Centers Prvt Ltd, was involved in a major fire incident off Vaavu Atoll in the Maldives.
Reports indicate that the vessel caught fire near Kuda-anbara, and responding units from the Maldives National Defence Force and the Maldives Fire and Rescue Service were engaged in firefighting and emergency response operations at the scene. Images shared from the site showed flames and smoke emanating from the vessel as response efforts were underway.
Upon recognition of the fire, the ship’s crew activated prescribed safety and emergency response procedures. All passengers and crew were evacuated without physical injury, and subsequent accounts confirmed that 17 tourists and eight crew members were brought to safety by authorities.
Assessment of the damage has concluded that the Yasawa Princess is no longer operational and will not undertake further cruises in the current season. Deep Blue Dive Centers has indicated that a full evaluation is in progress and that further communications concerning reservations and bookings will be issued in due course. Stakeholders have been advised to consult authoritative reports and official statements from relevant agencies for detailed findings.
This account reflects official notices and reporting from maritime and local sources regarding the fire and its immediate aftermath.