Fire disables tugboat off Rhode Island

The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:

(BOSTON) — The Coast Guard responded to reports of a disabled tug 18 miles east of Block Island, R.I., on Sunday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England in Woods Hole, Mass., were notified at approximately 3:30 p.m. Sunday of an engine fire aboard the 126-foot tug Viking.  

The vessel’s onboard fixed firefighting system was able to extinguish the fire, leaving the vessel disabled with 10 people aboard.

Responding were crews from:
Coast Guard Station Castle Hill, Rhode Island
Coast Guard Station Point Judith, Rhode Island
Coast Guard Station Menemsha, Massachusetts
Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cranston Fire and Rescue
North Kingston Fire Department

The owner of the tug dispatched two relief tugs to the scene. The Viking was able to restore its engines and was transiting to Buzzards Bay under escort by the tug Sebine.

None of the 10 people aboard the tug were injured, and no pollution was released as a result of the fire.

By Professional Mariner Staff