Three individuals were rescued on Friday after their scallop boat, the Eileen Rita, ran aground off Green Island in Boston Harbor, as confirmed by the United States Coast Guard.
Officials are currently investigating the incident, with early reports suggesting the possibility that the captain fell asleep as the boat navigated at low tide.
At approximately 7:40 a.m. on Friday, the 86-foot vessel, operating out of New Bedford, came to a halt at Green Island, situated just north of Boston Light.
“They knew they were in trouble because they literally ran aground onto the island and then put out a distress call,” stated Coast Guard Capt. Jamie Frederick.
“We were able to get some vessels out on scene, Coast Guard vessels, and from some of our partners.
In fact, it was the Boston Police Department that was able to get their small boat alongside and take the captain of the vessel and the two crewmen safely off.”
Once the boat began taking on water, the crew immediately donned their survival gear.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and after their rescue, the crew was transferred to emergency medical services upon returning to shore.
The incident is still under investigation.
However, the Coast Guard has indicated that the captain was asleep during a time of low tide when they ran aground.
“We will conduct an investigation to figure out what the cause or the factors were,” Frederick noted.
In response to the potential environmental hazards posed by this incident, the U.S. Coast Guard’s Incident Management Division has taken charge of the situation.
According to the Coast Guard, the vessel may potentially discharge up to 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 50 gallons of lube oil into the harbor.
From aerial views captured by Sky5, observers noted the presence of an oily substance with a rainbow sheen on the water surface near the grounded vessel.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) reported that it appears fuel is leaking from a crack in the hull of the boat.
“(The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is) actively working at the scene with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Massachusetts Environmental Police to ensure all appropriate containment and cleanup measures are swiftly implemented,” said Fabienne Alexis, a spokesperson for MassDEP, in a statement.
“Protecting public health and the environment is our top priority as we work to resolve this incident.”
The Coast Guard indicated that it could take several days to clean up the spill resulting from this incident.
Gordon Carr, the director of the New Bedford port, expressed gratitude to the Coast Guard for their response and efforts during the incident.
“It is a relief to learn that all crew members were successfully rescued unharmed from the Eileen Rita this morning,” Carr stated.
“The New Bedford Port Authority is also grateful for the work of the U.S. Coast Guard in responding to the incident in Boston Harbor.”
Green Island, where the incident occurred, is located within the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
This maritime situation highlights the importance of vigilance and safety practices while navigating waters, particularly during low tide conditions.
The investigation by the Coast Guard will look into various factors contributing to the incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As the cleanup efforts unfold, local officials remain focused on ensuring both public safety and the environmental integrity of Boston Harbor.
The Coast Guard and MassDEP’s coordinated response underscores the critical nature of their roles in managing environmental hazards associated with maritime activities.
Both organizations are committed to resolving this incident swiftly while minimizing the impact on the community and ecosystem surrounding Boston Harbor.
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