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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.
For media inquiries contact the Joint Information Center at (787) 729-2381 listed below for incident response inquiries and interviews.
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