More Than 500 Passengers Evacuated After Fire in Ship's Engine Room

The fire started in the Caribbean Fantasy's engine room.

ByABC News
August 17, 2016, 2:23 PM

— -- The 512 passengers on board the Caribbean Fantasy have been safely evacuated after a fire broke out in the ship's engine room earlier today. The large ship was traveling from Puerto Rico to Santo Domingo, a route it travels several times a week.

The U.S. Coast Guard said all 26 crew members have been removed from the boat.

The passenger ship was one mile from the San Juan Harbor, off the coast of Puerto Rico, when it caught fire.

According to The Associated Press, one of the ship's mechanics said a hose carrying fuel burst open and caught fire in the control room. The mechanics reportedly attempted to extinguish the fire for two hours. Authorities are still trying to control the blaze.

Several dozen passengers were treated for dehydration, high blood pressure and respiratory problems from the smoke, the AP reported. Many of the passengers were Dominican. Emergency officials are standing by if individuals require medical assistance.