B777-200
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Diverted; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
I was the Captain receiving IOE from [another Captain]; so technically I was not qualified. [The Captain] and I had returned to the cockpit from a break; with [the Captain] taking the right seat first. We received our briefing from [the relief officers]. I then sat down in the left seat and within less than a minute the right engine failed suddenly and completely. Initially we thought it was related to the seat change; possibly we had hit a fuel control switch; fire handle; etc? Within seconds the fire warning annunciated: we completed the red box items and began to depart the track. I must give a huge amount of credit to the [relief officers] for their incredible help and completely calm demeanor. [The Captain] took the airplane as soon as the fire ensued and did a beautiful job. We all quickly agreed that ZZZ was our best choice as we had received SIGMETS previously describing severe turbulence and other adverse weather [further along the route]. I believe I saw either 951 NM or 911 NM when I first checked the distance to ZZZ but I cannot clearly remember which. We had plenty of time to complete checklists; report our condition; fuel; souls on board; HAZMAT; etc. We studied the [airport diagram] to pick an ideal spot where ARFF (Airport Rescue Fire Fighting) could best approach us and quickly evaluate the condition of our aircraft. [The Captain] made a beautiful approach; landing; and rollout; textbook perfect. We were inspected; towed clear of the runway and then deplaned our passengers uneventfully. I want to emphasize the incredible professionalism [the Captain] displayed. The calm demeanor and professionalism by both [relief officers] were simply outstanding. It took their collective effort and coordination to conclude this emergency safely. I am forever impressed; and will now brief my crew members from a different perspective having seen this successful outcome and the reasons why. It was an honor to sit in the cockpit with these three very high caliber pilots.
A Boeing 777-200 Captain reported the sudden failure of the right engine while at cruise altitude. After all appropriate emergency checklists were completed a successful diversion to a suitable airport was accomplished.