The Viking: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On June 8, 2014, the Coast Guard swiftly responded to an emergency involving the tugboat 'Viking', situated 18 miles east of Block Island, Rhode Island. At approximately 3:30 p.m., watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England, based in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, received urgent reports of an engine room fire on the vessel. Fortunately, the onboard fixed firefighting system successfully extinguished the blaze, but the tug was left disabled with a crew of ten onboard. The rescue operation involved multiple agencies, including crews from Coast Guard Stations Castle Hill and Point Judith in Rhode Island, Coast Guard Station Menemsha in Massachusetts, and Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod. Additionally, local responders from Cranston Fire and Rescue and the North Kingston Fire Department provided support. In response to the incident, the owner of the 'Viking' dispatched two relief tugs to assist. Thankfully, the 'Viking' was able to restore engine power and safely made its way to Buzzards Bay, escorted by the tug 'Sebine'. Remarkably, all ten crew members aboard remained unharmed, and no pollution was reported as a consequence of the fire. For a detailed report and photos, visit: http://wpri.com/2014/06/08/coast-guard-firefighters-respond-to-tugboat-fire/

In the early hours of May 30, 2014, a blaze erupted on the tug 'Viking' while it was moored at the Kirby Offshore Marine facility in Mariners Harbor, located along Richmond Terrace. The rapidly spreading fire ignited shortly after 12:30 a.m. on the upper deck, sending thick smoke billowing into the night sky, which was clearly visible to onlookers from Richmond Terrace. Firefighters responded swiftly to the scene, managing to wake the vessel's captain and five crew members just in time for a safe evacuation. Fortunately, all six individuals were unharmed during the incident. The dedicated firefighting team quickly deployed their hoses and fought the flames, bringing the fire under control and extinguishing it by approximately 1 a.m. Although the fire led to minor damages, including some blistering of the paint on the upper deck, the vessel was relatively unscathed thanks to the prompt actions of the emergency responders. For a deeper look at the event, you can view the full report with photos at: http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2014/05/tugboat_crew_evacuated_after_s.html