Coast Guard responds to boat fires in Hammond Marina

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 08/15/2017 06:41 PM EDT

united states coast guard 

News Release  

Aug. 15, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 9th District Great Lakes
Contact: 9th District Public Affairs
(216) 314-7434

Coast Guard responds to boat fires in Hammond Marina

 

CHICAGO – The Coast Guard responded to two recreational vessels that caught fire and sank in Hammond Marina in Hammond, Indiana following an explosion, Tuesday.

Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor received a call from 911 dispatch early Tuesday about two boats on fire in the marina. A boat crew launched aboard a 45-foot response boat and found the two vessels had already sunk.

Pollution responders from Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Chicago also arrived on scene to assess the marina for pollution. An initial sheen of approximately 50 feet by 50 feet resulting from gasoline from the vessels has been slowly dissipating throughout the day. Area contractors have placed boom around surrounding vessels in the marina for protection from the sheen.

Tow Boat U.S. has presented a salvage plan to the Coast Guard for removing the two boats beginning this afternoon. The Coast Guard remains on scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

-USCG-