WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — All passengers were safely evacuated from the Caribbean Fantasy ferry, which caught fire off the coast of the US territory of Puerto Rico, but 26 crew members are still awaiting their rescue, the US Coast Guard said in a message on Wednesday.
#BreakingNews All passengers reported to be safely disembarked, rescue crews continue to assist disembarking 26 crew #Ferryrescue
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) 17 августа 2016 г.
The ferry has run aground about 800 yards off Punta Salinas, Puerto Rico, according to the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard noted in an earlier press release that none of the 512 passengers were injured. The ferry was traveling from Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic when the fire started in the engine room of the ship and then spread to other compartments, the release added. Several Coast Guard cutters and Puerto Rican vessels have been assisting with the rescue and fire-fighting efforts.
