Things got tense on Curtis Creek today when a tugboat began taking on water after striking an object, triggering a rapid marine rescue response in Baltimore. Responders identified the vessel as the tug Gale, which radioed a MAYDAY over VHF while crews worked to stabilize it. Nearby civilians pulled everyone on board into a passing boat, and officials reported no injuries.
Fireboats Rushed To The Scene
According to FOX45, Baltimore City Fire Department Marine Operations received the Gale’s MAYDAY call over VHF and dispatched Fire Rescue Boat 1 and Marine 1 to Curtis Creek. The department’s fireboat station posted on social media that “Fire Rescue Boat 1 and Marine 1 (acting Fire Rescue Boat 2) are responding to Curtis Creek where the Tug Gale has struck an object and is sinking.”
All Aboard Rescued, Officials Say
The Baltimore City Fireboat Station later reported that “All people on board were safely rescued,” and FOX45 confirmed that everyone on the tug was rescued by a civilian vessel. Fire crews stayed on scene to keep an eye on the Gale and conditions in the waterway.
Fireboat’s Role In Harbor Emergencies
Baltimore’s full-time fireboat, based at Fort McHenry, serves as the city’s primary platform for marine firefighting and hazardous-material response, CBS News reported. That capability makes the Fire Department a frequent partner in Port of Baltimore incidents and multi-agency emergency responses.
Vessel Records And What’s Next
Vessel-tracking records list GALE as a U.S.-flagged tug operating in the Baltimore area, according to VesselFinder. As of the latest update, officials had not released details about what the tug struck or whether there will be an environmental or safety follow-up. Investigators and the Coast Guard may issue statements as they review the incident.
Photographs of the response were credited to the Baltimore City Fireboat Station. This story will be updated as city or federal agencies release additional information.
