Injury or assault Asia Port of Jeju, South Korea · 14 August 2024
Adora Mediterranea Crew Injured in Engine Room Fire - Jeju, August 2024
What happened
On 14 August 2024, a fire broke out in the starboard engine room of the Adora Mediterranea cruise ship shortly after the vessel docked at the Port of Jeju, South Korea. The blaze affected approximately 50 square metres of the engine room; the ship's automatic fire suppression system activated quickly and contained the fire. Three crew members suffered smoke inhalation and were treated; no passengers were injured.
South Korean authorities initially cleared the vessel to depart for Fukuoka, Japan. However, the ship's management elected to return to its homeport in Tianjin, China, for further inspections and repairs, prioritising passenger and crew safety over the scheduled itinerary.
Details of the rescue
The fire was reported at approximately 8:30 AM on the morning of 14 August 2024. The automatic fire suppression system activated immediately and contained the blaze before it could spread beyond the engine room. Three crew members were exposed to smoke during the incident and received prompt medical treatment onboard; all were stabilised. Most passengers had already disembarked before the fire occurred, preventing any passenger injuries.
Passengers and crew
Total onboard
- 3,166 passengers and crew at the time of the fire.
Evacuation status
- Most passengers had disembarked before the incident; no passengers were injured.
Casualties
Fatalities
- None reported.
Injuries
- 3 crew members treated for smoke inhalation; all in stable condition.
Rescued
- All passengers and crew accounted for; no evacuation required.
Emergency response
The ship's automatic fire suppression system activated immediately upon detection of the fire and successfully contained and extinguished the blaze. Damage was largely confined to the engine room's ceiling and some piping; critical ship systems remained operational. South Korean authorities at the Port of Jeju were notified and initially cleared the vessel to proceed to Fukuoka.
Current status
Following the incident, the Adora Mediterranea's management decided to return to its homeport in Tianjin for comprehensive inspections and repairs rather than continue the scheduled itinerary to Fukuoka. The vessel is undergoing further assessment to ensure all safety systems are fully operational before resuming service.