Staten Island Ferry catches fire near Statue of Liberty, passengers evacuated

A Staten Island Ferry departing Manhattan. Not the specific boat that caught fire on Thursday.
A Staten Island Ferry departing Manhattan. Not the specific boat that caught fire on Thursday. Photo credit Spencer Platt/Getty Images

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A fire on a Staten Island Ferry forced an emergency evacuation in New York Harbor near the Statue of Liberty on Thursday, according to the FDNY.

The fire broke out around 5:18 p.m. in the mechanical room onboard, officials said.

As of 6:15 p.m., passengers were still being evacuated by FDNY boats.

The rescue boats are bringing the stranded passengers to the St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island.

This is a breaking news story. Check back for more updates.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images