Ferry vessel still burning off Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- The fire that broke out aboard the 561-foot passenger ferry vessel Caribbean Fantasy off San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Wednesday was still active on Thursday. The fire reportedly began in the engine room of the ship and spread to other compartments on board.
All 511 passengers and crew evacuated from the vessel have been accounted for.
A vessel salvage plan is being developed for review by the US Coast Guard. Coast Guard marine inspectors along with salvage and fire fighting teams were scheduled to board the vessel on Thursday to assess damage and determine the stability of the vessel.
The Coast Guard has established a 1,000-yard safety zone around the vessel. There have been no reports of sheening or pollution around the vessel thus far. The vessel is being closely monitored and booming has been deployed at the intakes for the Palo Seco Power Plant as a precautionary measure against potential discharge from the vessel. There has also been 14,000-feet of booming pre-staged near Punta Salinas.
Read more: http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/topstory-Ferry-vessel-still-burning-off-Puerto-Rico-31463.html