NEWPORT BEACH – Nineteen people were rescued from a harbor tour boat Friday after passengers and staff noticed what they believed to be a fire on the boat, authorities said.
Witnesses saw the boat having trouble at about 12:30 p.m., and several passengers began to yell “fire” after a puff of smoke came from somewhere on board, said Jennifer Shulz, spokeswoman for the Newport Beach Fire Department.
The boat was near the Lido Isle bridge when bystanders saw the boat having trouble.
Lifeguards, firefighters and some bystanders rushed toward the tour boat, helping to get the 19 passengers off, she said.
Some people got in nearby electric boats to help the passengers.
A total of 19 passengers disembarked, but several staff members from the boat, named Showboat, remained aboard.
Firefighters came aboard and found no fire on the vessel, Shulz said.
The passengers were evaluated and no injuries were reported.
The tour company, which conducts trips through the harbor, used a second boat to have passengers continue on their tour, she said.
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