A fatal fire aboard the Ro-Ro/passenger vessel MV World Legacy early on February 20 left one crew member dead, prompting a large-scale emergency response and full passenger evacuation while the ship was en route to Singapore.
The Liberia-flagged vessel reported a fire at approximately 04:00 Singapore time. The blaze broke out on deck nine, with reports indicating it originated in a lounge area. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Marine Division responded and brought the fire under control shortly after.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) confirmed that one Indonesian crew member died in the incident. Four passengers were taken to hospital for further medical assessment after receiving on-site treatment from paramedics. No other injuries were reported.
There were 388 crew members on board at the time. Passenger figures were updated during the day, with MPA confirming a total of 271 passengers on board, including 139 Singapore nationals. Authorities initiated evacuation procedures immediately. An initial group of 190 passengers was disembarked at Harbour Front Ferry Terminal. All remaining passengers were subsequently evacuated safely.
Following stabilization of the situation, MV World Legacy proceeded to Raffles Reserved Anchorage, located between Pulau Senang and Pulau Semakau. MPA patrol craft, the Coast Guard and marine firefighters attended to the vessel. A safety perimeter was established, and navigational broadcasts were issued advising passing ships to keep clear.
A core crew remains on board to maintain essential operations, conduct safety checks and support the investigation. The rest of the crew will be disembarked progressively.
MV World Legacy is the 154.48-meter-long cruise ship, built in 1982. The vessel entered into service in mid-December last year. It is branded as a “playground at sea” permanently stationed in the Singapore Strait, with passengers travelling to and from Singapore and Malaysia by fast ferry.
Before entering service under its new name, the ship operated in Europe as the Italian ferry Moby Zaza and underwent an extensive refit in Singapore prior to assuming its cruising role.
The vessel is technically managed by Genoa-based Venture Ship Management Europe. Classification society surveyors engaged by the vessel’s owners are expected to assess the extent of damage and determine required repairs before the vessel can return to service.
