Coast Guard Responds to Dredge Fire in St. John’s River, Investigation Underway

U.S. Coast Guard Station Mayport quickly responded to a dredge fire that broke out in the engine room of the Stuyvesant, a 340-foot-long dredge near the mouth of the St. John’s River. The incident, which occurred on a Saturday afternoon, required a coordinated effort from multiple agencies. This emergency operation, which commenced around 3:30 p.m., saw Coast Guard boat crews collaborating with the Jacksonville Fire Department and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to manage the situation.

Amidst the chaos, a crew member of the Stuyvesant suffered injuries and needed medical attention. Coast Guard personnel from Mayport stepped in to transport the individual to shore where emergency medical services awaited. The MV Stuyvesant, a US-flagged towing dredger, is now under investigation by the US Coast Guard as they work to determine the cause of the fire. The incident has raised concerns and sparked an inquiry into the safety measures and protocols aboard the vessel.

Jacksonville Fire and Rescue publicly acknowledged the joint efforts on the Hafenlotsen social media platform, highlighting the collaboration between the various agencies involved in containing the fire on the Stuyvesant. As the investigation progresses, it is crucial for authorities to identify any lapses in safety procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in maritime operations and the importance of prompt and effective response to emergencies at sea.

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