A Father's Day (party) cruise in Tampa FL was cut short on Sunday, June 16, after a fire erupted in the ship's engine room. No injuries were reported, but many passengers were scared when the fire started onboard "Yacht StarShip" dinner cruise leaving from Sparkman Wharf.
Travelers described hearing a “boom” then smelling smoke. Crews alerted all to a fire in the engine room. Passengers were handed life jackets and told to go to the top deck as the vessel turned around and sailed back to shore.
Tampa Fire Department crews responded within minutes. When firefighters boarded the yacht, the fire was already out.
According to passengers, "the captain and crew did a good job keeping everyone informed."
All passengers will get a refund and gift certificate to take another cruise.
The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the fire.