On the morning of April 11, the 86-foot fishing vessel Eileen Rita ran aground near Green Island in Boston Harbor. The vessel was navigating shallow waters during low tide when it struck submerged rocks. Three crew members donned survival suits and sent a distress signal. Before the Coast Guard could arrive, Eileen Rita capsized onto its port side and partially sank.
Coast Guard and Boston Police boats quickly responded to the scene and successfully rescued all three crew members. No injuries were reported.
However, the incident resulted in a significant fuel spill. Authorities estimate that up to 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel and about 50 gallons of lubricating oil were released into the water. A long trail of contamination stretched from the vessel to the shores of Green Island. The Coast Guard is monitoring the pollution and stated that cleanup could take several days. An investigation is underway, including whether the vessel’s captain may have fallen asleep at the helm.
