The Orient Queen cruise ship was capsized by the ferocity of the Beirut explosions. AFP
The Orient Queen cruise ship was capsized by the ferocity of the Beirut explosions. AFP
The Orient Queen cruise ship was capsized by the ferocity of the Beirut explosions. AFP
The Orient Queen cruise ship was capsized by the ferocity of the Beirut explosions. AFP

Beirut explosion: 'Orient Queen' cruise liner capsizes after blast


Hayley Skirka
  • English
  • Arabic

The Orient Queen cruise ship capsized at her berth in Beirut following Lebanon's deadly explosion on Tuesday.

One of the ship's crew members was killed in the blast and another is reported missing.

Several other crew members are in hospitals across the city, said the ship's operator Abou Merhi Cruises, who called the incident a tragedy.

The 120-metre long vessel capsized overnight in Beirut. Tuesday's explosion caused damage to the berth that led to the ship taking on too much water.

Extensive damage was also reported at the head office of Abou Merhi Cruises, in the Awwal Bliss area of Beirut.

The Orient Queen had capacity for up to 300 passengers. At the time of the blast, no travellers were on board because summer cruising operations had been cancelled due to the coroanivurs pandemic.

The five-star cruise liner typically sails from Beirut Port to five destinations in Europe and Asia during summer. Had normal operations been in place, it’s likely that the cruise liner would have been at sea at the time of the explosion.

“It’s a sad, sad day for all of us,” said the cruise operator on social media. “Abou Merhi Cruises has lost a precious soul in the tragedy that took place at the port of Beirut. Heilemariam Reta (Hailey) from Ethiopia.”

"Our prayers and thoughts are with the family of Mustafa Airout from Syria who was at the port and is still missing," continued the post.

A representative of the cruise operator said Mr Airout had last been seen "very close to the explosion".

  • A woman stands inside a damaged restaurant. AP Photo
    A woman stands inside a damaged restaurant. AP Photo
  • People and employees attend a mass over the victims who were killed in the blast, at the Al-Roum hospital at Ashrafieh area in Beirut. EPA
    People and employees attend a mass over the victims who were killed in the blast, at the Al-Roum hospital at Ashrafieh area in Beirut. EPA
  • Workers are pictured at the devastated site of the explosion at the port of Beirut. EPA
    Workers are pictured at the devastated site of the explosion at the port of Beirut. EPA
  • A man sleeps near a damaged car near the site of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. REUTERS
    A man sleeps near a damaged car near the site of Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. REUTERS
  • Workers line at the devastated site of the explosion at the port of Beirut. EPA
    Workers line at the devastated site of the explosion at the port of Beirut. EPA
  • French President Emmanuel Macron visits the devastated site of the explosion at the port of Beirut. EPA
    French President Emmanuel Macron visits the devastated site of the explosion at the port of Beirut. EPA
  • People and employees attend a mass over the victims who were killed in the blast, at the Al-Roum hospital at Ashrafieh area in Beirut. EPA
    People and employees attend a mass over the victims who were killed in the blast, at the Al-Roum hospital at Ashrafieh area in Beirut. EPA
  • A view of the port of Beirut on January 25, 2020, left, and on August 5, 2020, a day after the explosion. AFP
    A view of the port of Beirut on January 25, 2020, left, and on August 5, 2020, a day after the explosion. AFP
  • Bride Israa Seblani poses for a picture in the same place where she was taking her wedding photos at the moment of the explosion. Reuters
    Bride Israa Seblani poses for a picture in the same place where she was taking her wedding photos at the moment of the explosion. Reuters
  • People stand with their belongings as they leave their damaged homes. Reuters
    People stand with their belongings as they leave their damaged homes. Reuters
  • A Lebanese man shows injuries on his back after the massive explosion in Beirut. EPA
    A Lebanese man shows injuries on his back after the massive explosion in Beirut. EPA
  • Men are seen sitting inside a damaged home, following Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
    Men are seen sitting inside a damaged home, following Tuesday's blast in Beirut's port area. Reuters
  • A pedestrian takes photos of a badly damaged building in Beirut. Bloomberg
    A pedestrian takes photos of a badly damaged building in Beirut. Bloomberg
  • Lebanese Druze clerics check damaged cars. AP Photo
    Lebanese Druze clerics check damaged cars. AP Photo
  • A statue representing the Lebanese expatriate is seen in front of a building that was damaged by the explosion. AP Photo
    A statue representing the Lebanese expatriate is seen in front of a building that was damaged by the explosion. AP Photo
  • People walk with their belongings in the area of Mar Mikhael and Gemayzeh. EPA
    People walk with their belongings in the area of Mar Mikhael and Gemayzeh. EPA
  • The curtains in the rooms of the Le Gray hotel in the Lebanese capital Beirut swaying in the wind. AFP
    The curtains in the rooms of the Le Gray hotel in the Lebanese capital Beirut swaying in the wind. AFP
  • A view of a damaged Fransa Bank. EPA
    A view of a damaged Fransa Bank. EPA
  • People check damaged vehicles. EPA
    People check damaged vehicles. EPA
  • Volunteers clean the streets amid the wreckage. Reuters
    Volunteers clean the streets amid the wreckage. Reuters
  • People carry belongings after evacuating their damaged housing units at area of Mar Mikhael and Gemayzeh. EPA
    People carry belongings after evacuating their damaged housing units at area of Mar Mikhael and Gemayzeh. EPA
  • A destroyed Bank Audi SAL branch stands in Beirut. Bloomberg
    A destroyed Bank Audi SAL branch stands in Beirut. Bloomberg
  • A worker wearing a protective face mask stands at the entrance to a destroyed Fransabank SAL branch in Beirut. Bloomberg
    A worker wearing a protective face mask stands at the entrance to a destroyed Fransabank SAL branch in Beirut. Bloomberg
  • Volunteers carry brooms as they walk to clean the streets. Reuters
    Volunteers carry brooms as they walk to clean the streets. Reuters
  • A woman sits in front of a damaged building. EPA
    A woman sits in front of a damaged building. EPA
  • A general view of the Beirut port area after the massive explosion. EPA
    A general view of the Beirut port area after the massive explosion. EPA
  • An aerial view shows the massive damage done to the Electricity of Lebanon building. AFP
    An aerial view shows the massive damage done to the Electricity of Lebanon building. AFP
  • A view of the damaged building of the Lebanese fashion designer Zuhair Murad. EPA
    A view of the damaged building of the Lebanese fashion designer Zuhair Murad. EPA
  • Volunteers gather aid supplies to be distributed for those affected by Tuesday's blast. Reuters
    Volunteers gather aid supplies to be distributed for those affected by Tuesday's blast. Reuters
  • Lebanese men clears rubble, one day after the explosion at the Beirut Port, in the Gemayzeh area. EPA
    Lebanese men clears rubble, one day after the explosion at the Beirut Port, in the Gemayzeh area. EPA
  • Lebanese youth salvage a velvet sofa from a destroyed apartment in the Gemayzeh area of Beirut. EPA
    Lebanese youth salvage a velvet sofa from a destroyed apartment in the Gemayzeh area of Beirut. EPA
  • Lebanese activists take part in a campaign to clean the damaged neighbourhood of Mar Mikhael. AFP
    Lebanese activists take part in a campaign to clean the damaged neighbourhood of Mar Mikhael. AFP
  • An injured Lebanese shop owner sits at her desk selling her wares. EPA
    An injured Lebanese shop owner sits at her desk selling her wares. EPA
RESULT

Copa del Rey, semi-final second leg

Real Madrid 0
Barcelona 3 (Suarez (50', 73' pen), Varane (69' OG)

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPowertrain%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle%20electric%20motor%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E201hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E310Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E53kWh%20lithium-ion%20battery%20pack%20(GS%20base%20model)%3B%2070kWh%20battery%20pack%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETouring%20range%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E350km%20(GS)%3B%20480km%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh129%2C900%20(GS)%3B%20Dh149%2C000%20(GF)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Superliminal%20
%3Cp%3EDeveloper%3A%20Pillow%20Castle%20Games%0D%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Pillow%20Castle%20Games%0D%3Cbr%3EConsole%3A%20PlayStation%204%26amp%3B5%2C%20Xbox%20Series%20One%20%26amp%3B%20X%2FS%2C%20Nintendo%20Switch%2C%20PC%20and%20Mac%0D%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali

Price, base / as tested Dh207,846 / Dh220,000

Engine 6.2L V8

Transmission Eight-speed automatic

Power 420hp @ 5,600rpm

Torque 624Nm @ 4,100rpm

Fuel economy, combined 13.5L / 100km

The specs

Engine: 2.3-litre, turbo four-cylinder

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Power: 300hp

Torque: 420Nm

Price: Dh189,900

On sale: now

How to help

Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200

Ukraine%20exports
%3Cp%3EPresident%20Volodymyr%20Zelenskyy%20has%20overseen%20grain%20being%20loaded%20for%20export%20onto%20a%20Turkish%20ship%20following%20a%20deal%20with%20Russia%20brokered%20by%20the%20UN%20and%20Turkey.%3Cbr%3E%22The%20first%20vessel%2C%20the%20first%20ship%20is%20being%20loaded%20since%20the%20beginning%20of%20the%20war.%20This%20is%20a%20Turkish%20vessel%2C%22%20Zelensky%20said%2C%20adding%20exports%20could%20start%20in%20%22the%20coming%20days%22%20under%20the%20plan%20aimed%20at%20getting%20millions%20of%20tonnes%20of%20Ukrainian%20grain%20stranded%20by%20Russia's%20naval%20blockade%20to%20world%20markets.%3Cbr%3E%22Our%20side%20is%20fully%20prepared%2C%22%20he%20said.%20%22We%20sent%20all%20the%20signals%20to%20our%20partners%20--%20the%20UN%20and%20Turkey%2C%20and%20our%20military%20guarantees%20the%20security%20situation.%22%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

World Cup final

Who: France v Croatia
When: Sunday, July 15, 7pm (UAE)
TV: Game will be shown live on BeIN Sports for viewers in the Mena region

Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.

 

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

 

 

'Avengers: Infinity War'
Dir: The Russo Brothers
Starring: Chris Evans, Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Robert Downey Junior, Scarlett Johansson, Elizabeth Olsen
Four stars

Madrid Open schedule

Men's semi-finals

Novak Djokovic (1) v Dominic Thiem (5) from 6pm

Stefanos Tsitsipas (8) v Rafael Nadal (2) from 11pm

Women's final

Simona Halep (3) v Kiki Bertens (7) from 8.30pm