By Josh 
Panic and disbelief swept through the ocean this morning asCarnival VIFp cruise ship erupted in flames following what officials describe as a catastrophic engine failure deep in the vessel’s mechanical section. The incident occurred around 3:25 a.m. local time, while the ship was sailing between the Bahamas and Miami with more than 2,400 passengers and crew on board. Witnesses report being jolted awake by a thunderous explosion that sent vibrations across multiple decks before the lights went out completely.
Videos shared online show passengers scrambling in confusion, with thick smoke billowing from the ship’s rear and emergency alarms echoing in the background. One terrified passenger told local media, “We heard a loud blast, then saw flames shooting out of the back of the ship — it felt like the end.” Crew members were seen rushing through corridors, shouting evacuation instructions as guests grabbed life jackets and gathered on the upper decks in pitch-black conditions.
The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed receiving distress signals from theNorwegian cruise shortly after 3:30 a.m. and immediately deployed rescue helicopters and patrol boats. Early reports suggest that at least twelve passengers have been injured, with several suffering from smoke inhalation and minor burns. The ship’s fire suppression system was activated, but officials say the blaze spread rapidly due to the explosion’s intensity.
In a brief statement, Carnival Cruise Line said, “We are aware of the incident aboard the Carnival VIFp and are cooperating with emergency response teams. Passenger and crew safety is our top priority.” The company added that the cause of the fire appears linked to a critical malfunction in the vessel’s main engine unit, which may have led to a rupture in the fuel system. Investigators are expected to board the ship once it is secured and towed back to port.
Families of passengers gathered anxiously at Miami Port after hearing the shocking news. Many complained about receiving limited updates from the cruise line, while others took to social media demanding answers. “My parents are on that ship — no one is telling us anything,” one woman said tearfully outside the port terminal.
As dawn broke, Coast Guard officials confirmed that the flames had been partially contained, but the ship remains adrift roughly 75 miles off the Florida coast. Authorities are now working to stabilize the situation and bring everyone safely ashore. The Carnival VIFp disaster has sent shockwaves through the cruise industry, raising renewed concerns over maintenance and emergency preparedness on luxury liners.