Tugboat Fire on Delaware River, Crew Rescued

A tugboat caught fire on the Delaware River near Pea Patch Island on the morning of February 19, 2025. The four crew members were safely rescued by nearby good Samaritans after abandoning the vessel. The fire was eventually extinguished, and the tugboat was towed away. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay received a distress call from the crew reporting a fire on board, prompting emergency response teams to deploy.

The fire broke out between Delaware City and Old New Castle while the vessel was transiting the river with a two-barge tow. It started in the engine room, leading to a loss of steering after the crew secured the hatches. The crew members were picked up by nearby tugboats, and various local agencies, including the Coast Guard and fire departments, responded to the incident. Despite challenges posed by low tides and strong winds, efforts continued to secure the situation.

The disabled tugboat was eventually towed away, and none of the crew members sustained injuries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with no updates provided by authorities yet. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced in maritime operations and the importance of prompt emergency response to ensure the safety of crew members and vessels.

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