A fire aboard a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter ferry operating between Hingham and Boston prompted the evacuation of 25 passengers near Castle Island on June 15, according to reports from the MBTA, Boston Fire Department, and local media.
The incident occurred aboard the 150-passenger vessel Champion while the vessel was operating its 2 p.m. trip from Hingham to Long Wharf. According to MBTA information reported by Boston.com, the fire broke out around 2:30 p.m.
The MBTA said the flames were quickly extinguished and passengers were safely evacuated after the ferry was brought alongside Castle Island in South Boston. The agency later transported passengers by bus to the Boston Aquarium/Long Wharf Station.
The smoke was first noticed coming from the stern of the vessel while it was underway in Boston Harbor. Firefighters located a small fire beneath the deck that did not involve the engine room. Members of the Boston Fire Department's marine unit extinguished the fire before the vessel was towed away from the scene.
No injuries were reported.
The MBTA said passengers were provided life jackets during the evacuation process and apologized for the disruption. Other vessels were assigned to maintain Hingham/Hull ferry service, and no additional trips were canceled.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard, according to the MBTA. The agency has not released additional details regarding damage to the vessel or the expected timeline for its return to service.
WorkBoat reached out to the Boston Fire Department to receive further details on the response.
