- 86-foot vessel grounded near Green Island during low tide
- Immersion suits prevented hypothermia for 3 rescued crew members
- Potential 4,050 gallons of petroleum products discharged
- Coast Guard containment efforts continue through weekend
Boston Harbor faced dual emergencies Friday morning when the Eileen Rita fishing vessel ran aground near ecologically sensitive Green Island. Coast Guard Sector Boston swiftly coordinated with local authorities to execute a sunrise rescue operation, extracting all crew members without injuries. Maritime safety experts emphasize this incident highlights recurring navigation challenges in the harbor's shallow eastern channels.
New England maritime records show 18% of commercial fishing accidents occur during tidal extremes. The Eileen Rita's grounding during a 0.3-foot low tide - the week's lowest - likely compounded structural stresses. Harbor pilots note this area contains submerged granite ledges that frequently damage vessels drawing over 10 feet of water.
Environmental teams deployed 1,200 feet of containment boom around the listing vessel within 90 minutes of the first fuel sheen report. While initial estimates suggest nearly 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel escaped, responders recovered only 1,200 gallons through skimming operations by nightfall. The remaining petroleum presents significant risks to the harbor's herring spawning grounds and migratory bird populations.
This incident revives concerns from the 2003 Bouchard Oil Barge spill that contaminated 9 miles of shoreline. Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management reports show harbor water quality had improved 72% since 2010 through strict discharge regulations. Fisheries economists warn potential litigation could impact New England's $611M scallop industry if ecological damage is confirmed.
Coast Guard investigators are analyzing the vessel's electronic charting system and crew rest cycles. Preliminary findings suggest possible navigational errors compounded by tidal currents pushing the boat 150 feet off its charted course. The National Transportation Safety Board will release final causation findings within 18 months.
