A cruise ship carrying more than 200 passengers caught fire on the River Nile in Egypt on Tuesday evening, prompting a large-scale emergency evacuation.

The vessel, Iberotel Crown Empress, had departed from Luxor on Monday, 27 October, for a 12-day voyage when the incident occurred between the cities of Luxor and Edfu.

According to initial reports, the fire broke out around 6:15 p.m. on 28 October, believed to have started in the ship’s galley. The flames spread rapidly through parts of the vessel, engulfing several cabins and an entire hall in thick smoke.

Crew members acted swiftly, moving passengers from the lower decks to the upper deck before rescue teams arrived. The ship was later docked at an unscheduled anchorage near Esna to facilitate the evacuation.

All passengers were safely rescued, and no injuries or fatalities have been reported. One of the passengers told VRT News that the evacuation process was chaotic and frightening as the lower deck, the usual exit route, was already engulfed in flames.

Video Credits: Daily Mail News/YouTube

The passenger said other boats used flashlights to alert them to smoke rising from the deck. They added that the narrow gangway made it hard for people to get off the ship.

Per reports, some passengers escaped through the gangway, while others trapped in their cabins were rescued by two small boats. Everyone had to leave their belongings behind, and one passenger said the ship was likely completely destroyed.

Authorities and the cruise operator have since launched an investigation into the incident. The Egyptian Public Prosecution Office is leading the inquiry to determine the exact cause of the fire.

The Iberotel Crown Empress has been temporarily withdrawn from service until the inquiry is complete. Officials are also reviewing safety measures on other Nile cruise ships to prevent such incidents in the future.

References: News18, hindustantimes