Fire aboard CroisiEurope's MS Botticelli: 132 passengers evacuated

A fire broke out early Monday morning aboard the MS Botticelli operated by CroisiEurope while the vessel was docked in Honfleur, France.

In a statement released on June 29, the company said the incident occurred at around 4:00 a.m. and that safety procedures were implemented immediately.

"Safety procedures were immediately put into effect, allowing all passengers and crew members to be evacuated under the best possible conditions. There were no injuries," CroisiEurope wrote in French.

According to information reported by several French media outlets, the 132 passengers and 31 crew members were evacuated in accordance with safety procedures. More than 70 emergency responders were reportedly deployed to bring the fire under control.

The company added that emergency services responded quickly and that passengers were assisted by local authorities before being accommodated elsewhere.

In an update published Monday, Honfleur Mayor Nicolas Pubreuil confirmed that the evacuated cruise passengers were welcomed at the Poudreux community hall, which had been made available by the municipality, before being housed in accommodations throughout the city.

"Under the coordination of the emergency services, the evacuation of the cruise passengers proceeded smoothly. There were no casualties, not even minor injuries," the mayor said in a statement.

The City of Honfleur said it deployed significant logistical support, including the distribution of water, the purchase and delivery of meals, and other assistance needed to care for the passengers.

The mayor also praised "the professionalism of the CroisiEurope ship's staff," noting that their actions enabled "a rapid evacuation" of the vessel.

Investigation underway

The exact circumstances of the incident remain under investigation. According to the initial information available, the fire is believed to have started in an area of the ship described as the "gallery." 

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire.

CroisiEurope also highlighted "the commitment, professionalism, and composure" of its crew while thanking the emergency services and all organizations involved in the response.

A well-known vessel on the Seine

The MS Botticelli is a 110-meter river cruise ship that can accommodate approximately 145 passengers. It normally operates cruises along the Seine River between Paris, Rouen, and Honfleur. The vessel underwent a major refurbishment in 2016.

CroisiEurope has so far not released any information about the extent of the damage or the potential impact of the incident on the ship's upcoming cruises.