(NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) — U.S. Coast Guard and partner agency crews continue to respond to a 59-foot push tug that sank Tuesday night approximately 3 miles off North Myrtle Beach. Horry County Fire Rescue personnel rescued the three crewmembers aboard the tug, the name of which has not been disclosed.
The vessel is currently in 30 feet of water and has approximately 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board. There are no reports of shoreline impacts, and the vessel’s owner is coordinating with local salvage to mitigate environmental and waterway impacts. Coast Guard crews are evaluating the site to determine if there is a specific navigational hazard.
The Coast Guard Sector Charleston Command Center has issued a safety marine information broadcast and requests the public transit the area with caution as this operation is ongoing.
The following agencies also have responded to the incident: Brunswick County (N.C.) Sheriff’s Office, Brunswick County Emergency Services, North Myrtle Beach Fire Rescue, Horry County Fire Rescue, City of North Myrtle Beach, and the Sunset Beach (N.C.) Fire Department.
– U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston
