17 tourists and 8 crew rescued from burning Yasawa Princess; no injuries reported

A total of 17 tourists and eight crew members aboard the safari vessel Yasawa Princess were safely rescued on Wednesday evening after the boat caught fire near Kuda‑anbara in Vaavu Atoll, according to police.

Police told Sun that the fire broke out three miles off Kuda‑anbara at around 17:54 hrs. Officers rushed to the scene and evacuated all passengers and crew.

The rescued tourists included five men and 12 women, while the crew comprised three Indians, five Bangladeshi men, and one German national, police said.

An MNDF spokesperson confirmed that the fire had not yet been fully extinguished as of Wednesday night and that the vessel had suffered severe burn damage. MNDF and police officers remain on site as efforts continue.

Authorities also confirmed that no injuries were reported among those rescued.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation is underway.