DATELINE: 7 February 2003

DISCOVERY 1 LIVEABOARD CATCHES FIRE AND SINKS IN MALDIVES

Discovery One caught fire and sank in the night on 5th February in Guraidoo Lagoon, South Male Atoll. There are no reported casualties.
Passengers were evacuated by support dhonis from other vessels as the flames took hold.
Crew from another liveaboard vessel, the Sea Spirit, anchored nearby to help in the attempt to put out the flames. Unfortunately Discovery 1 was totally destroyed and sank. At present noone knows the cause of the fire.
Passengers booked on Discovery One by Maldives Scuba Tours and Kuoni have been contacted and offered the choice of relocating to another vessel.