Whale-watching boat catches fire off Hualien Port

Taipei, Aug. 13 (CNA) A whale-watching boat carrying 46 people caught fire at sea Monday about 20 minutes after it embarked from Hualien Port, but all aboard were rescued and brought to safety, according to the National Rescue Command Center.

The blaze broke out for unknown reasons in the boat's engine room when it was 2.2 nautical miles off the port. All aboard were evacuated to one other whale-watching boat.

There were no serious injuries, but one woman was hospitalized with a minor injury.

The fire was extinguished, while two coast guard patrol ships and a fishing boat were sent to the site to help with rescue efforts. A National Airborne Service Corps helicopter was also on standby, according to the rescue center.