What started as a routine harbor trip turned tense Monday afternoon, when an MBTA ferry had to be evacuated off Castle Island after crews reported an incident on board.
Boston Fire Department units rushed to the scene, and Sky5 footage showed passengers in life jackets stepping off the vessel while fire boats held the ferry tight against the shoreline. Firefighters and other responders in protective gear moved around the decks of the Champion as they helped riders reach safety on Castle Island.
According to WCVB, Boston Fire Department vessels kept the ferry pinned alongside the shore while crews managed the situation and escorted people off. The station's Sky5 helicopter captured video of riders carefully disembarking in life jackets as responders wearing safety gear worked their way through the ferry.
About the Champion and MBTA Ferry Service
The Champion is a high-speed catamaran the MBTA brought into its fleet to serve both inner-harbor and commuter routes, and it typically carries about 150 passengers. Mass Transit notes that the vessel entered service to shore up harbor routes that link Long Wharf, Hingham, Hull and other stops around the harbor.
What Officials Say
According to WCVB, the station was still working to gather more details from the Boston Fire Department and the MBTA in its initial reporting, and neither agency had released a full account of what happened. WCVB also noted that the status of MBTA harbor route service was not immediately clear in the early coverage.
What Riders Should Know
Anyone planning to cross the harbor should keep an eye on MBTA alerts and local news outlets for updates, since incidents on the water can trigger short-term schedule changes or rerouted trips. This story will be updated as officials release more information on what occurred aboard the Champion and any ongoing impacts to ferry service.
