The Coast Guard and local fire companies were battling a barge fire about nine miles south of Port Mahon off Kent County on Monday morning. Port Mahon is at the mouth of Delaware Bay.
The Coast Guard received a call at approximately 1 a.m. reporting a barge on fire. The barge was reportedly carrying household appliances for scrap.
The Coast Guard is responding to a barge on fire near Delaware Bay. Read more here: https://t.co/1As72rl4UG pic.twitter.com/bp9cZMlHEo
— USCG Mid-Atlantic (@uscgmidatlantic) May 23, 2022
The Coast Guard launched a 29-foot Response Boat and crew to assist and continue to monitor the situation. There were six fireboats on the scene from local fire companies.
“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 asked that all mariners avoid the area of the incident.
