Bouchard Tug; Offshore, NJ
Offshore, NJ | 2005-Feb-27
Initial Notification: It is reported that the tug is on fire, unmanned, and adrift about 8 miles offshore of Barnegat, NJ. The tug has about 110,000 gallon of diesel fuel onboard and is towing an empty barge. The tug on fire is the Robert Bouchard. It has a fixed CO2 fire suppression system in the engine room and it appears that the fire may be coming under control. The tugs Ralph Bouchard and Frederick Bouchard are enroute. The plan is for the Ralph to come along side, disconnect the barge and take the towed barge from the Robert and bring it to Philadelphia. The Frederick will then hook up to the Robert and tow it to NYC. The salvage vessel from Don Jon Marine is due on scene shortly. That vessel will make an assessment of the condition of the Robert and decide if it is safe to tow.
| Primary threat: | Oil |
| Products of concern: | #2 diesel fuel |
| Total amount at risk of spill: | 110,000 gallons |
| Latitude (approximate): | 39° 50.00′ North |
| Longitude (approximate): | 73° 50.00′ West |