Image: MNDF
Another dive boat fire has struck a popular diving destination, this time in the southern Maldives.
A dive boat operating in Addu City was destroyed after a blaze broke out while the vessel was moored outside Feydhoo harbour. The fire spread rapidly through the boat, leaving it burned beyond recovery.
Firefighters from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) responded from the Southern Area Fire Station and worked to control the flames. During the firefighting operation, the vessel eventually sank.
One person sustained burns to a leg during the incident and was treated at the local health centre before being discharged. No other injuries have been reported.
The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed.
The incident comes just days after another dive vessel blaze reported in Hurghada, Egypt, highlighting how quickly fires can escalate aboard dive boats.
sdm quick take
- A dive boat caught fire while moored outside Feydhoo harbour in Addu City, southern Maldives
- MNDF firefighters responded from the Southern Area Fire Station
- The vessel was destroyed and later sank during firefighting operations
- One person sustained minor burns and was treated locally
- The cause of the fire remains under investigation
What happened near Feydhoo harbour
The fire broke out while the dive boat was anchored just outside Feydhoo harbour in Addu City.
By the time emergency crews arrived, the blaze had already spread across the vessel. Firefighters from the MNDF Southern Area Fire Station responded and worked to bring the fire under control.
Despite the response, the boat could not be saved. During efforts to extinguish the flames, the vessel eventually sank in the harbour area.
People aboard the dive boat were able to move to another nearby safari vessel when the fire started, preventing a larger emergency.
Authorities have not yet released a detailed timeline explaining how the fire developed.
Possible operator link
Local officials have indicated the vessel may be connected to Maina Safari, a diving operation working in the region.
At this stage, that identification has circulated locally but has not yet been formally confirmed by national authorities.
Further details about the vessel and its operational status have not yet been released publicly.
What we know, and what we don’t
Several key details about the incident are confirmed, while others remain under investigation.
Confirmed
- The fire broke out on a dive boat moored outside Feydhoo harbour in Addu City
- MNDF firefighters responded from the Southern Area Fire Station
- The vessel was destroyed and later sank during firefighting efforts
- One person sustained minor burns and received treatment locally
Unconfirmed / under investigation
- Whether a gas cylinder explosion occurred
- If such an explosion triggered the fire or happened after the blaze had already begun
- The original ignition source, which could involve electrical systems, fuel systems, galley equipment, or battery charging areas
Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the incident.
Why fires on dive vessels escalate quickly
Dive boats and safari vessels operate with a mix of equipment that can allow fires to spread quickly if ignition occurs.
Common risk factors include fuel storage, electrical systems running continuously in a marine environment, and charging stations used for dive lights, scooters, and camera batteries. Boats may also carry numerous compressed gas cylinders.
If flames reach fuel lines, wiring, or cylinder storage areas, a small fire can intensify rapidly.
What this means for divers
Incidents like this remain relatively rare, but they underline why basic safety awareness matters when diving from boats.
When boarding a dive vessel, it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand the layout and emergency procedures. Identify exits and muster points, note where safety equipment is stored, and avoid blocking walkways with bags or camera cases.
Pay attention to charging areas and avoid overloading sockets or adapters.
If a safety briefing or emergency drill is offered, treat it like any dive briefing. It’s there for a reason.
Safety note
If you smell burning, see smoke, or hear alarms on a dive vessel, alert the crew immediately and move early. Fires and smoke can spread quickly in confined marine spaces.
Follow crew instructions and avoid re-entering affected areas to retrieve equipment.
sdm. knowledge
The dive boat fire occurred outside Feydhoo harbour in Addu City in the southern Maldives. The vessel was anchored near the harbour when the fire broke out and quickly spread across the boat.
One person suffered burns to a leg during the incident and received treatment at a local health centre in Feydhoo before being discharged. No other injuries have been reported following the dive boat fire in Addu City.
Yes. During firefighting operations by the Maldives National Defence Force, the vessel eventually sank. The dive boat is considered a total loss after the blaze.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed. Local reports have mentioned a possible gas cylinder explosion, but authorities have not verified whether such an explosion occurred or whether it played any role in starting the fire.
Serious dive boat fires are uncommon in the Maldives, but incidents do occasionally occur in destinations with heavy dive boat traffic. The Addu City incident comes shortly after another dive vessel fire reported in Hurghada, Egypt.
Divers should take a few minutes after boarding to locate emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and muster points. It is also helpful to note where cylinders are stored, avoid blocking walkways with equipment, and be cautious around battery charging stations used for cameras and dive lights.
