Fire on Maltese-registered cruise ship

A fire on board the Maltese-registered cruise ship Zenith forced the evacuation of the vessel in Stockholm this afternoon, but the situation is now under control.

The Malta Maritime Authority said the blaze happened while the ship was berthing in the port of Firhamnen when most of the passengers were on shore excursions.

As a precautionary measure the master ordered the evacuation of all passengers and non-essential crew

Two crew members were treated for smoke inhalation before the situation was brought under control.

The 47,413 ton Zenith was built in 1992.

The Malta Maritime Authority, which is investigating the incident, said dense smoke was seen at the lower forward part of the ship where maintenance was being carried out. Fire fighting operations by the crew members, with the assistance of local firemen were carried out.

MMA Merchant Shipping Directorate officials are liaising with the Swedish Accident Investigation Board in their investigation of the accident.