MULTIMEDIA RELEASE Update #9: Caribbean Fantasy moored in San Juan Harbor, Unified Command continues salvage efforts
Editor's note: click for high resolution
The Caribbean Fantasy, a passenger vessel ferry, is towed to Pier 15 in San Juan Harbor on Saturday while the Coast Guard Cutter Griesser crew and Station San Juan Maritime Safety and Security Teams enforce a security zone. (U.S. Coast Guard imagery by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jasmine Mieszala)
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The passenger vessel ferry Caribbean Fantasy was moored safely Saturday at Pier 15 in San Juan Harbor.
The Unified Command is developing an assessment and disposal plan for potential hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
The Coast Guard has established a 100-yard safety zone around the vessel. There have been no reports of sheening or pollution near the vessel at this time. 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.
Fire fighting teams that entered the engine room Saturday morning reported that only a single source of fire contained in the engine room remains. A fire and extinguishing plan is being finalized.
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.
A joint marine casualty investigation with the Coast Guard, the National Transportation Safety Board, RINA Services and the flag state, Panama, is underway.
The Caribbean Fantasy Response Unified Command consists of the Coast Guard, the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and Baja Ferries (owner of the Caribbean Fantasy).
Also assisting the response efforts are the American Cruise Ferries, Ardent, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Response Corporation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, O'Brien's Response Management, the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency and the Puerto Rico Fire Department.
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Unified Command continues salvage operations for Caribbean Fantasy
Aug 22nd, 2016
Containment boom around the Caribbean Fantasy, moored at Pier 15 in San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico, Monday, Aug. 22, 2016. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jasmine Mieszala)
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Unified Command is continuing salvage operations at Pier 15 in San Juan Harbor.
The Unified Command is establishing mechanical ventilation to circulate air through the vessel. A marine chemist will certify the vessel is safe for entry by personnel facilitating the overhaul of the vessel, removal of cargo and continuing salvage operations.
Ardent, the responding salvage company, is developing a heavy weather mooring plan for the vessel.
The Coast Guard maintains a 100-yard safety zone around the vessel.
There were reports Sunday of minor sheening near the vessel which was contained in the primary containment boom. No additional sheening or pollution has been reported since.
The vessel is being closely monitored and 2,500 feet of boom has been deployed around the vessel as a precautionary measure against any further discharge from the vessel.
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.
The Unified Command is developing an assessment and disposal plan for potential hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
A joint marine casualty investigation with the Coast Guard, the National Transportation Safety Board, RINA Services and the flag state, Panama, is underway.
The Caribbean Fantasy Response Unified Command consists of the Coast Guard, the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and Baja Ferries (owner of the Caribbean Fantasy).
Also assisting the response efforts are the American Cruise Ferries, Ardent, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Response Corporation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, O’Brien’s Response Management, the Puerto Rico Emergency Management Agency and the Puerto Rico Fire Department.
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Fire Out Aboard Caribbean Fantasy Ferry in Puerto Rico [Damage Photos]
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.
Fire fighting 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 fire fighters 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 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
