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Posted in New York Maritime News,Tug Boat Accidents,US Coast Guard (USCG) on September 10, 2013
CAPE VINCENT, N.Y. — A tugboat accident involving a former Coast Guard boat, built in 1954, sank, spilling about 10 to 20 gallons of diesel fuel into the St. Lawrence River. The accident delayed Horne’s Ferry for several hours as crews responded to the leak. The U.S. Coast Guard also responded to the scene.
Between 10-20 gallons of diesel fuel spilled when a tugboat sank near the James St Ferry dock in Cape Vincent, NY on September 6, 2013. Photo credit: Justin Sorensen / Watertown Daily Times.
The accident occurred on Friday morning, Sept 6, at about 8 a.m. when a 30-foot tugboat sank near the James Street ferry dock spilling diesel fuel into the St Lawrence River. The Washington Daily News reported that crews were able to contain most of the leakage shortly after the boat sank.
Map shows location of sinking tugboat fuel spill near the James St Ferry dock in Cape Vincent, NY on September 6, 2013.
State Department of Environmental Conservation spokesman Stephen W. Litwhiler said the spill was not expected to have a lasting impact, though the sheen of oil may be visible on the water for about a day before it dissipates.
The sunken boat is owned by Thousand Islands Marine & Island Service Inc.
Mary L. Shannon, who co-owns the business with her husband, Timothy P. Beebe, said that the boat was used for small projects and for moving equipment, and that they have owned it for about two years.
The reason the tugboat sank remains under investigation.
Source:
Washington Daily News
Blog post by tugboat injury lawyer Gordon, Elias & Seely, LLP