Tug Sinks After Separating from Barge Off New York

U.S. Coast Guard Photo

A 26-foot tugboat sank off the coast of Atlantic Beach, New York Monday night after separating from the barge it was towing.

The U.S. Coast Guard says it was notified at 7:35 p.m. Monday that the towing vessel “PUSHY” had lost control of the 125-foot deck barge it was towing following what the coast guard described as “an interaction with a large swell” off of Atlantic Beach. After separating, the Coast Guard says that the tug sank and the deck barge went aground along a beach at Silver Point County Park.

Three of the tug’s crewmembers were rescued by another tug on scene, while one crewmember onboard was rescued by a New York Police helicopter. The coast guard says there were no injuries reported

The tug and barge were on their way to the Weeks Marine Shipyard in New York City after leaving a job on the Robert Moses Causeway Bridge when the incident occurred. The coast guard says that the barge is carrying construction equipment.

The Coast Guard and owners of the vessel are currently working on a plan to safely remove the barge from the beach and currently there is no evidence that the barge has caused any negative environmental impact.

The cause of the separation and sinking are under investigation.

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