A fire broke out aboard the MS Botticelli while it was docked in Honfleur, Normandy, prompting the evacuation of 132 passengers and 31 crew members. No injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation.
A fire broke out aboard the MS Botticelli while the ship was docked in Honfleur, Normandy, early on June 29, prompting a full evacuation of passengers and crew.
No injuries were reported, and authorities were still investigating the cause of the blaze.
What happened
According to the initial reporting, the fire started around 3:30 a.m. local time while the river cruise ship was moored at the port of Honfleur. The vessel is operated by CroisiEurope.
All 132 passengers and 31 crew members were evacuated. Emergency services responded overnight and were still working to extinguish the fire later in the morning.
What is known so far
The reported source of the fire was the ship's galley, though that has not yet been officially confirmed as the final cause. Police and other authorities were investigating.
The MS Botticelli has been described as a river cruise vessel with a capacity of up to 145 guests. Honfleur is a port used by river cruise traffic on the Seine route.
Passengers were expected to be accommodated in hotels and repatriated later, according to the available reporting.
What happens next
The main unresolved questions are how much damage the ship sustained, what caused the fire, and when the vessel can return to service. Further statements from CroisiEurope or local authorities would be needed to clarify those points.
Revision note
Initial automated publication.