A small fire broke out on one of the Boston Duck Tour’s amphibious vehicles on the Charles River today, forcing evacuation of the passengers, State Police said.
Boat employees noticed smoke coming from the duck boat at about 12:15 p.m. and suspected a radiator hose might have burst, said Bob Schwartz, director of marketing and sales for Boston Duck Tours.
Schwartz said employees did not see any flames on the duck boat.
No injuries were reported, said Dave Procopio, State Police spokesman.
A State Police boat was out on the water near the Museum of Science when it saw the duck boat in distress, Procopio said. Passengers were offloaded onto the State Police boat and brought to shore, he said.
According to US Coast Guard requirements, emergency procedures must be explained before every duck tour, Schwartz said.
Another duck boat towed the disabled vessel to land, where it is currently being inspected, Schwartz said.
“It’s like any other type of vehicle,†Schwartz said. “Sometimes it breaks down.â€
Jasper can be reached at jasper.craven@globe.com or on Twitter @Jasper_Craven
