Hundreds evacuated from burning Puerto Rican ferry

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (FOX 13) - The Coast Guard says its crews have helped local authorities evacuate hundreds of people from a burning ferry off the coast of Puerto Rico.

The ferry is about a mile off the coast of San Juan, the Coast Guard said.  Photos from the national police of Puerto Rico showed smoke pouring from the America Cruise ship 'Caribbean Fantasy' as passengers lined the decks.

At least one emergency slide had been deployed from the burning vessel. A passenger told FOX 13's Alcides Segui that the fire is in the engine room.

The Coast Guard says 512 passengers and crew were aboard the 560-foot ship.  By 10 a.m., all but 50 or so had been safely evacuated.  An hour later, the Coast Guard reported the ship had run aground off Port Salinas.

There was no immediate report of any injuries.

According to their website, America Cruise ships ferry people and cars between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

Stay with FOX 13 for more.