Caribbean Fantasy cruise ship

“The Unified Command is developing an assessment and disposal plan for potential hazardous and non-hazardous waste,” said the Coast Guard, adding that it has established a 100-yard safety zone around the vessel.

“There have been no reports of  pollution near the vessel at this time,” it continued, stating that the vessel is being closely monitored, and 2,500 feet of boom has been deployed around the vessel “as a precautionary measure against potential discharge from the vessel.”

The Coast Guard said that fire-fighting teams that entered the engine room Saturday morning reported that only a single source of fire contained in the engine room remains.

It also said that the Unified Command has implemented an air monitoring plan in the vicinity of the vessel and Pier 15 to ensure the safety of responders and the local community.

Additionally, a joint marine casualty investigation with the US Coast Guard, the US National Transportation Safety Board, RINA Services and the flag state, Panama, is underway.

On Wednesday more than 500 passengers escaped from the Caribbean Fantasy, using emergency after a blaze erupted in the ship’s engine room.

The vessel was travelling from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico.

The Coast Guard said it responded Wednesday morning to the fire aboard the 561-foot vessel, about two nautical miles north of San Juan Harbor.

The mostly Dominican Republic passengers included dozens of school-age athletes headed to competitions in Puerto Rico, including a cycling team, a girls’ volleyball team and a boys’ baseball team.

The ship usually runs several times weekly between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

More than two dozen people were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, dehydration and shock.

CMC/nk/kb/2016