A tugboat sank in Curtis Creek near Baltimore today after striking an unknown object, prompting a multi-agency response and the rescue of all crewmembers.
According to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), the Baltimore-based tug Gale began taking on water shortly after the incident. The crew issued a mayday call over VHF radio, which was received by Baltimore City Fire Department Marine Operations.
Fire crews dispatched Fire Rescue Boat 1 and Marine 1 to the scene. Responders reported the tug had struck an object and was sinking in the waterway. Before their arrival, all personnel aboard were safely evacuated with assistance from a nearby civilian vessel. No injuries were reported.
MDE’s Emergency Response Division also responded to the incident. Officials said the tug was carrying approximately 6,000 gals. of diesel fuel and 200 gals. of oil at the time of the sinking. As of the latest update, there were no confirmed reports of fuel leakage.
Containment booms were being deployed as a precaution to protect the surrounding waterway while crews continued to monitor conditions.
Salvage operations are being planned and are expected to include the use of cranes to refloat the vessel and divers to assess damage below the waterline. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
Fire Rescue Boat 1 and Marine 1 (acting Fire Rescue Boat 2) are responding to Curtis Creek where the Tug Gale has struck an object and is sinking. pic.twitter.com/H9IM4C1NsN
— Baltimore City Fireboat Station (@BCFDFireboat1) April 8, 2026
