The Coast Guard is working with local and state agencies to re-float a tug that ran aground at approximate 12:15 a.m., Tuesday, near Sabine Point, Rhode Island.
The 40' Theodore was reported aground in the river to the watchstanders at Sector Southeastern New England.
On scene are:
- Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England pollution responders
- Environmental service company Clean Harbors
- Rhode Island Marine Task Force
- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Tuesday morning, teams deployed protective boom around the tug, though no sheens were reported.
Teams have begun to pump water out of the vessel and re-float at high tide. Overflights of the area by aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod are scheduled to look for possible pollution.
The tug has a maximum capacity of 600 gals. of fuel.
"Our main concern right now is the safety of the responders and the preservation of the environment," said Lt. Bryan Swintek, the command duty officer at Sector Southeastern New England. "The federal fund for oil spills has been opened in case there is a need."
The Coast Guard conducts 250 pollution responses in the Northeast each year.
