Engine Room Fire Forces Evacuation of NY Waterway Ferry Near Manhattan - 29 August 2024

On Tuesday evening, 27 August 2024, a fire in the engine room of the NY Waterway ferry Father Mychal Judge forced the evacuation of all passengers while the vessel was navigating the Hudson River between Manhattan and New Jersey. All 37 passengers were safely transferred to a sister vessel, the Frank Sinatra, with no injuries reported.

The crew responded immediately by sealing the engine room and activating the vessel's fire suppression systems, which contained the blaze. The Father Mychal Judge was subsequently towed to NY Waterway's maintenance facility in New Jersey for repairs, and authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.

Witnesses observed flames and thick gray smoke emanating from the ferry during the busy rush hour commute. The crew promptly sealed the engine room and activated the vessel's fire suppression systems, effectively containing the fire. All 37 passengers were safely transferred via tender to the nearby NY Waterway ferry Frank Sinatra, which transported them ashore without incident.

Passengers

• 37 onboard at the time of the fire.

Crew

• Number not specified in source.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• All 37 passengers safely transferred to the Frank Sinatra and brought ashore.

The crew responded promptly to the engine room fire by sealing the compartment and activating the vessel's fire suppression systems. The nearby NY Waterway ferry Frank Sinatra was diverted to assist and received all passengers via tender transfer. The Father Mychal Judge was towed to NY Waterway's maintenance facility in New Jersey for repairs and inspection.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the engine room fire and to ensure preventive measures are implemented to avoid similar incidents in the future.