Fire-stricken Ferry Moored Safely
The fire aboard the passenger vessel ferry Caribbean Fantasy has been extinguished, and the vessel has been moored safely at Pier 15 in San Juan Harbor, the U.S. Coast Guard said.
The fire broke out Wednesday, August 17, leading to the evacuation of 511 people from the ship.
The Puerto Rico Fire Department put out the blaze around 6 p.m. Saturday using 3,000 gallons of seawater from the San Juan Harbor. The single source of the fire was contained within the vessel’s engine room.
Responders are now establishing mechanical ventilation to circulate air through the vessel, and a marine chemist will certify that the vessel is safe for access by salvage crews to facilitate overhaul of the vessel, removal of cargo and continuing salvage operations.
Minor sheening has been reported near the vessel that was contained in the primary containment boom. The vessel is being closely monitored and 2,500 feet of boom has been deployed around the vessel as a precautionary measure against discharge from the vessel.
An air monitoring plan has been implemented in the vicinity of the vessel and Pier 15, and a plan is being developed for assessment and disposal of potential hazardous and nonhazardous waste.