Hingham, MA — A routine afternoon commute turned into an emergency situation on Monday, June 16, 2026, as approximately 25 passengers were forced to evacuate an MBTA ferry after a fire broke out on board.
The vessel, identified as the Champion, was traveling from Hingham to Long Wharf when smoke was spotted emanating from the rear of the boat while in Boston Harbor. According to Boston Fire Deputy Chief Steven Schaffer, passengers were alerted to the situation while the boat was underway.
In a swift emergency response, the captain navigated the ferry to the shore at Castle Island to allow for a safe and immediate evacuation. Passengers were provided with life jackets as a precautionary measure during the approach.
“So right about when we hit Castle Island, we heard a boom and then seen some smoke and it smelled like electrical fire,” said Charles Freeman, a passenger on the ferry. “The captain and the crew they were great, they kept everyone calm.”
Boston Fire Department marine units responded to the scene at approximately 2:30 p.m. Firefighters discovered a small fire burning under the deck—not within the engine room—and were able to extinguish the flames quickly.
The MBTA issued a statement apologizing to the passengers, which included visitors in town for the World Cup. Authorities confirmed that there were no injuries reported, and the vessel was eventually towed away from the scene.
Commuters are advised to check the official MBTA ferry schedule page for any potential service disruptions or vessel substitutions in the coming days as the investigation into the cause of the fire continues.
Stay tuned to Plimoth Today for further updates on this developing story.
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