[UPDATED] Crew member dies after fire on cruise ship “World Legacy” en route to Singapore

UPDATE [ 20 February 2.07pm Singapore time]: MPA updated that all 271 passengers from World Legacy have been safely evacuated. Classification society surveyors engaged by the vessel’s owners will board the ship to assess the extent of damage and the repairs to be carried out before returning to service.

Based on preliminary investigations, the fire occurred at the lounge area on deck nine of the vessel. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. 

[20 February at 12.30pm Singapore time]: MPA reported that the fire, which occurred on deck nine of World Legacy, has been extinguished by SCDF Marine firefighters.

The deceased crew member, an Indonesian national, has been transferred ashore. The relevant authorities are handling the necessary follow up, and the Indonesian embassy in Singapore has been informed.

The first group of 190 passengers has been safely evacuated from the vessel and has disembarked at HarbourFront Ferry Terminal. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Friday (20 February) said a crew member has been reported dead after a fire broke out onboard Liberia-registered passenger vessel World Legacy, which was en route to Singapore. 

The incident occurred on 20 February at about 4am (Singapore Time). 

“There were 388 crew members onboard, none of whom are Singaporeans. A crew member is reported deceased,” MPA said in a statement. 

MPA added the fire was put under control by the crew shortly after. 

The vessel is in a stable condition, and is currently anchored at Raffles Reserved Anchorage. MPA patrol craft, the Police Coast Guard and the SCDF Marine Division are attending to the vessel.

“There are 224 passengers, of whom 185 are Singaporeans,” MPA added.

“There were no reported injuries among the other crew members and passengers.”

Photo credit: World Legacy by World Cruises
Published: 20 February, 2026