Tugboat Catches Fire, Loses Steering On Delaware River, Crew Rescued Safely

A tugboat caught fire on the Delaware River near Pea Patch Island on the morning of February 19, 2025.

All four crew members safely abandoned the vessel and were rescued by nearby good Samaritans. The fire was later extinguished, and the tugboat was taken under tow.

Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay received a distress call at around 9:26 a.m. on VHF Channel 16 from the tugboat’s crew, reporting a fire on board.

The vessel was transiting the river with a two-barge tow when the fire broke out between Delaware City and Old New Castle. Reports reveal that the fire started in the engine room, and the crew had secured the hatches before losing steering.

The crew members evacuated the vessel and were picked up by two nearby tugboats. Emergency response teams from Coast Guard Station Philadelphia and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Atlantic City were deployed.

Several local agencies, including the Wilmington Fire Department’s fireboat and Goodwill Fire Company from New Castle, also responded.

Low tides and strong winds created challenges for some local responders attempting to launch from ramps, but efforts continued to secure the situation.

The fire was eventually extinguished, and the disabled tug was taken under tow. A spokesperson for New Castle County paramedics confirmed that none of the crew members sustained injuries.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and authorities have not provided any updates yet.

Reference: USCG

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