The resort’s seven over-water villas were destroyed in the fire late Wednesday evening.
Investigations are continuing into the massive fire that ripped through the luxury Gili Lankanfushi Resort in the Maldives.
The resort’s seven over-water villas were destroyed in the fire late Wednesday evening.
No one was injured and the cause of the fire was unclear, a Maldives National Defence Force spokesman said. According to media reports, the fire was difficult to control due to a strong easterly wind.
On its website, the resort reported, “At 11pm on 2nd January a fire broke out at Gili Lankanfushi in the Maldives. The alarm was raised immediately and staff were able to safely evacuate all guests from their villas where they were taken care of by Gili hosts with blankets, food and water before being evacuated from the island to alternative accommodation on neighbouring islands.
“Seven over-water villas plus one restaurant were destroyed in the fire however thankfully no-one was injured. The cause of the fire is still unknown but Gili Lankanfushi is working closely with the Maldives National Defence Force and a full investigation is now underway.
“I want to commend the bravery of our Gili Team for prioritising the wellbeing of our guests and calmly escorting them to safety as soon as the alarm was raised,” said general manager, David Stepetic. “And to express our deep gratitude to the fire fighters from the Maldives National Defence Force who were able to contain the fire.”
“Maldives’ Minister of Tourism, Ali Waheed, visited Gili Lankanfushi the night the fire broke out and has been supporting the team to ensure all guests are being taken care of with alternative accommodation, flights home and any necessary travel documents.
“The full extent of damage is still being assessed however the resort will be closed for the foreseeable future.
“In the meantime, the team are in close touch with their future guests and travel partners to assist with rearranging or refunding their holidays whilst the damage is repaired to re-open Gili Lankanfushi later this year."