It is narrated from Hazrat Ya'la (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The sea is Hell." People asked Hazrat Ya'la (may Allah be pleased with him) about its meaning, so he said: "Have you not read the statement of Allah Almighty: 'A fire whose walls will surround them'?" Then he said: "By the One in whose hand is Ya'la's soul, I will not enter it until you are presented before Allah, and not even a drop of it can touch me until I meet Allah."
Hadith Referenceمسند احمد / مسند الشاميين / 17960
Hadith Gradingحکم دارالسلام:إسناده ضعيف، محمد بن حيي مجهول