Fishing Boat Capsizes, Fuel Spill in Boston Harbor
BOSTON (AP) — A commercial fishing vessel capsized in Boston Harbor early Friday morning, prompting a swift rescue operation for its three crew members and raising concerns about a fuel spill. The 86-foot scallop fishing boat, named Eileen Rita, ran aground near Green Island around 7:45 a.m., according to Coast Guard officials. Fortunately, all crew members were unharmed and were safely brought to shore by Boston Police.
Details of the Incident and Ongoing Investigation
The Eileen Rita became stuck in shallow waters and tilted over, leading to the distress call that alerted the Coast Guard. The crew donned immersion suits as a precaution when the vessel began to capsize. Fortunately, they were rescued without injury, and authorities are now focused on assessing the environmental impact of the incident.
Initial reports indicate that the boat discharged approximately 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 50 gallons of lube oil into the harbor. The Coast Guard is actively monitoring the situation and has noted a visible sheen of fuel on the water’s surface. Images released by the Coast Guard depict the fishing boat precariously tilted on its side, with a trail of fuel nearby, highlighting the potential environmental risks associated with the spill.
The cause of the accident remains under investigation, with preliminary findings suggesting that the vessel was navigating in shallow waters during low tide, which may have contributed to the grounding. Green Island, located near the site of the incident, is part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, adding another layer of concern regarding the ecological effects of the fuel spill.
As the investigation continues, the Coast Guard is working to mitigate any further environmental damage and ensure the safety of the harbor’s waters. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by commercial fishing operations and the importance of adhering to navigational safety protocols.
