JULY 4, 2015
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
A boat on Lake Michigan caught fire Saturday afternoon near Oak Street Beach, according to the Chicago Fire Department.
The
boat was floating near the shore at Chicago Avenue when a fire broke
out in the engine area, known as the "playpen," inside the breakwater, fire officials tweeted.
About 16 people inside the boat were rescued by the Coast Guard, but no injuries were reported.
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Coast Guard rescues 16 people from burning boat north of Navy Pier in Chicago
U.S. Coast Guard file photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Adam Garloch
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor received a call at about 2:30 p.m. over Ch-16 marine radio about the fire on board a 35- pleasure craft.
The watchstander directed a Coast Guard crew, already underway on patrol in the area aboard a 25-foot response boat, to respond. They arrived on scene in minutes.
All 16 people, including three in the water, were brought onto the Coast Guard boat.
A Chicago Fire Department boat arrived on scene to put out the fire.
All 16 people were transferred to Belmont Harbor by the Coast Guard. The damaged vessel was towed to Belmont Harbor by a commercial tow boat service.
There were no injuries or medical issues.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.