On the morning of January 3, the 70 foot long fishing vessel Guardian ran aground in Cape Cod Bay near Wellfleet, Massachusetts. The Guardian had ran ashore onto the beach and was left high and dry. The Coast Guard dispatched a tug and was able to refloat the fishing vessel later the same day with the rising tide. No reports of injuries to the 5 crew on board, no damage and no pollution was released. The cause of grounding was not disclosed.
On the morning of December 7, a fire broke out on the 85 foot long, 200 gt tugboat Lucinda Smith (IMO:8333166) moored on the Acushnet River in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Local fire fighters found the tug engulfed in flames with the engine room, staterooms and pilot house ablaze. Multiple fire fighting teams were able to extinguish the blaze with no injuries to the crew of the Lucinda Smith or fire fighters. Damage was extensive with multiple compartments completely gutted by the fire. Authorities placed booms around the tug to contain any pollution released.
The fire is under investigation by the New Bedford Fire Department. Reports state the Coast Guard and other authorities were notified of the incident. No reports if other authorities will conduct an investigation into the incident.
On the afternoon of October 24, the 16 meter long pilot vessel Mystic (MMSI: 367029020) ran aground on the Cape Cod Canal, near Bourne Bridge, Bourne Massachusetts. The Mystic had ran up on the rocky shoreline leaving its bow high and dry. Local and state authorities along the US Army Corps of Engineers all responded to the scene. A tow truck attached lines to keep the pilot vessel stabilized on the ebb tide. Reports state the vessel would be refloated the next day on the high tide. The cause of the grounding was not disclosed. The incident is under investigation.
