Tugboat fire erupts on delaware river; coast guard mounts rescue operation
Coast Guard, partner agencies responding to fire on Delaware River facebook sharing buttontwitter sharing buttonlinkedin sharing buttonpinterest sharing buttonsharethis sharing button Coast Guard, partner agencies responding to fire on Delaware River PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES 02.18.2025 Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Bokum

Tugboat fire erupts on Delaware River; Coast Guard mounts rescue operation

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February 18, 2025
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PHILADELPHIA — The U.S. Coast Guard and local agencies responded to a tugboat fire near Pea Patch Island on the Delaware River on Tuesday.

All four crew members were safely evacuated by good Samaritans before the fire was extinguished. The vessel is now under tow.

Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay deployed crews from Station Philadelphia and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Atlantic City to assist.

At 9:26 a.m., watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay received a distress call on VHF Channel 16 reporting the fire.

Authorities issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast and dispatched response teams. Local agencies also sent assets to the scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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