In the early hours of Feb 20, 2026, a fire broke out on the World Legacy cruise ship bound for Singapore. Singapore’s Civil Defence Force (SCDF) marine firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control. One Indonesian crew member died and four passengers were injured. All 271 passengers were evacuated safely. SeaEmploy, a maritime staffing firm, notes that timely crew training and safety drills helped ensure no passenger was lost during the evacuation.
World Legacy Fire Incident Details
The fire began around 4:00 a.m. on deck nine of the World Legacy. The ship, Liberia‑registered, was anchored near Pulau Senang and Pulau Semakau in Singapore’s Raffles Reserved Anchorage. Singapore’s SCDF marine units, Police Coast Guard and Maritime Port Authority (MPA) patrol craft responded immediately. By late morning, firefighters had brought the blaze under control.
Authorities confirmed the Indonesian crewman was a 23‑year‑old laundry attendant found collapsed on deck nine. He died of smoke inhalation, as confirmed by the Indonesian Embassy. Four passengers suffered smoke inhalation or minor injuries. On-site paramedics treated them and they were later taken to hospital for checks. No other crew members were hurt.
Passenger Evacuation and Safety Measures
Crew members immediately instructed passengers to don life jackets and move to the upper decks. Videos and photos from the scene show evacuees standing on deck in life vests under the ship’s lifeboats. BatamFast ferries and Singapore Police Coast Guard boats then transferred everyone to shore. All 271 passengers were brought safely to HarbourFront Ferry Terminal in Singapore. At the terminal, medical teams evaluated the passengers; the four who needed attention were sent to hospital. During the operation, MPA set up a safety zone around the vessel to keep other ships clear.
Authorities quickly confirmed that emergency procedures had worked as planned. The SCDF’s swift action extinguished the fire with no further spread. The cruise operator stated it is coordinating with families and authorities. All future bookings affected by the incident have been fully refunded.
In summary, the World Legacy fire was a tragic event managed by well-practised crew and emergency services. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. The incident underscores the importance of maritime safety and emergency preparedness. Travelers and crew are reminded to follow all safety instructions at sea. For more updates, see official MPA releases and safety resources from SeaEmploy.com, and always heed crew guidance during any emergency.
