Coast Guard and local fire agencies respond to barge fire in Delaware Bay

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic Contact: 5th District Public Affairs Office: (757) 398-6272 After Hours: (757) 295-8435 5th District online newsroom

Coast Guard and local fire agencies respond to barge fire in Delaware Bay

BOWERS, Del. — The Coast Guard and local fire agencies are responding to a barge fire approximately 9 miles south of Port Mahon, Monday morning. 

Watchstanders at the Sector Delaware Bay Command Center received a call at approximately 1 a.m. reporting a barge on fire in the Delaware River. The barge was reportedly carrying household appliances for scrap.

The Coast Guard launched a 29-foot Response Boat-Small boatcrew to assist and continue to monitor the situation. There are six fire boats on scene from local fire agencies actively fighting the fire. 

“Our highest priority is ensuring the safety of firefighters and response personnel on scene,” said Capt. Jonathan Theel, Sector Delaware Bay Captain of the Port. “We will also work to mitigate any environmental threats and protect the flow of commerce within this vital port.” 

There are no injuries and no evidence of pollution impacting the waterway. The cause of the fire is not known at this time.

The Coast Guard requests that all mariners avoid the area of the incident.

For more information contact District 5 Public Affairs at (757) 295-8435. Additional inquiries can be made to uscgD5publicaffairs@gmail.com.

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