A major fire broke out in the early hours of June 29 aboard the French-flagged river cruise ship Botticelli while it was moored in the Port of Honfleur, France. Thanks to the swift response of the crew and emergency services, all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated without injuries.
The alarm was raised at approximately 3:30 a.m. local time, as the vessel was preparing to depart for the next leg of its week-long cruise from Paris to the Normandy coast via the Seine River. According to preliminary reports, the fire started in the galley before heavy smoke spread through parts of the vessel.
Approximately 90 firefighters, supported by emergency response teams from Honfleur and neighboring municipalities, were deployed to the scene. The operation also involved specialists in marine firefighting, water rescue, and hazardous materials. As a precaution, floating pollution containment booms were deployed around the vessel, while nearby roads were temporarily closed to allow emergency vehicles unrestricted access.
A total of 163 people were on board, including 132 passengers and 31 crew members. Everyone was safely evacuated and taken to a municipal reception center, where they underwent medical assessments. No injuries were reported. Afterward, passengers were provided with food and water before being accommodated in local hotels arranged by the shipowner and tour operator.
Firefighters managed to bring the blaze largely under control after several hours. Later that morning, emergency crews boarded the vessel alongside port authorities to conduct safety inspections and assess the extent of the damage. Initial reports indicate that the ship sustained significant damage.
The Botticelli is a 110-meter French-flagged river cruise vessel operated by CroisiEurope. It regularly sails week-long itineraries between Paris and Normandy along the Seine River. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.
