Fire engulfs safari near Hulhumale'; MNDF teams rush to contain blaze

A safari boat anchored in the Hulhumale' lagoon caught fire on Saturday afternoon.

Eyewitnesses and Sun journalists at the scene saw the blaze broke out aboard the Emperor Explorer, which was moored outside the Hulhumale' lagoon. Thick black smoke was seen billowing across the area as the fire spread through the vessel.

Police said they received the report at around 16:55 on Saturday.

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MNDF Fire and Rescue teams are currently working to bring the fire under control.

Two crew members from the Emperor Explorer were taken to Hulhumale' Hospital for treatment after the fire, though no one is believed to have suffered serious burn injuries. Witnesses told Sun that the blaze spread rapidly and thick smoke blanketed the area, visible from a considerable distance.

The vessel sustained heavy damage in the incident, and both police and MNDF are investigating the cause.