Overview
- Flames erupted on the Iberotel Crown Empress around 6:15 p.m. local time on Oct. 28 between Luxor and Edfu during the first day of a 12-day itinerary.
- The vessel docked at Esna for evacuation, which was hindered by a too-small gangway and fire on the lower deck, prompting transfers by small boats for some passengers.
- Roughly 200–220 passengers were evacuated without reported fatalities, while three crew members were injured and taken to hospital.
- Large sections of the ship were heavily damaged, luggage and identity documents were lost, and at least 80 Italian nationals received on-site help from a Cairo consular representative issuing provisional passports.
- Authorities continue to investigate the cause, with reports pointing to a suspected technical issue in the kitchen, including a possible short circuit, as videos on social media show the scale of the blaze.