The US Coast Guard and local fire departments are on the scene of a large fire on a barge transporting scrap household appliances in Delaware Bay.
The barge was about 9 miles south of Port Mahon, Delaware, as of Monday morning.
The Coast Guard reports that around 1 a.m., watchstanders at the Sector Delaware Bay Command Center received a call reporting a barge on fire in the Delaware River. According to reports, the barge is transporting household appliances for scrap.
To assist and continue to monitor the situation, the Coast Guard launched a 29-foot Response Boat-Small boat crew.
According to the Coast Guard, six fireboats from local fire departments are actively fighting the fire.
The barge appears to be the new CMT Y NOT 6 from Coeymans Marine Towing (CMT), which Carver Companies own. Unfortunately, Carver Companies only stated that the barge was “new” in a Facebook post on May 18.
“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 have been no injuries or signs of pollution in the waterway, and the cause of the fire is unknown.
The Coast Guard advises all mariners to avoid the area.
