Update: NTSB determines probable cause of Caribbean Fantasy fire.
Firefighters in Puerto Rico were able to extinguish the fire aboard the passenger ferry Caribbean Fantasy on Saturday at a pier in San Juan Harbor, the U.S. Coast Guard has confirmed.
The Caribbean Fantasy caught fire last Wednesday approximately 2 nautical miles north of San Juan Harbor in Puerto Rico leading to the evacuation of all 511 passengers and crew. The ferry later ran aground just offshore Punta Salinas, where the fire continued to burn inside the ship’s engine room. The ferry floated free Friday night and was holding position approximately four miles north of Punta Salinas with the assistance of tugs.
Firefighting teams were able to access the engine room Saturday morning and reported that only a single source of fire contained inside the engine room remained. A dive team also inspected the vessel’s hull on Saturday morning and reported no significant damage. Later in the day, the ferry was towed to Pier 15 in San Juan, where firefighters from the Puerto Rico Fire Department were able to fully extinguish the fire at around 6 p.m.
The Coast Guard said they received reports of minor sheening 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. A safety zone of 100-yards is being maintained around the vessel.
According to the Coast Guard, the Unified Command has established a mechanical ventilation system to circulate air through the vessel. A marine chemist will certify that the vessel is safe for access by salvage crews to facilitate an overhaul of the vessel, removal of cargo and continuing salvage operations.,
A joint marine casualty investigation into the incident is being carried out by the Coast Guard, the National Transportation Safety Board, RINA Services and the flag state, Panama.
DAMAGE PHOTOS
Flyover Video from Saturday: