Passengers on board the Malta-registered cruise liner Zenith were evacuated after a fire broke out on the ship at the port of Firhamnen in Stockholm, yesterday afternoon, the Malta Maritime Authority (MMA) said.

The MMA, which is investigating the incident, said the fire broke out while the 1992-built 47,413-ton passenger ship was alongside. Most of the passengers were on shore excursions.

As a precautionary measure the master ordered the evacuation of all passengers and non-essential crew members. Two crew members have been treated for smoke inhalation at the local hospital.

The Merchant Shipping Directorate has been informed that the situation is under control.

The MMA said that initial reports indicated that dense smoke was seen at the lower forward part of the ship where maintenance was being carried out.

Crew members with the assistance of local firemen brought the fire under control. An assessment of the ship indicated that her condition is stable, the MMA said.

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

Constant contact is also being maintained with the operators of the ship. The ship's classification society will be visiting the ship to inspect its seaworthiness.