CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. – The Coast Guard assisted three crewmembers of a recreational vessel that ran aground Monday near Chincoteague Inlet.
At approximately 3 a.m. Monday, the crew of the 78-foot vessel, Frieda Marie, informed the Coast Guard they ran aground and were taking on water in the vicinity of Assateague Island National Park. Station Chincoteague launched their 24-foot and 47-foot rescue boat crews who helped temporarily control flooding.
Coast Guardsmen are working closely with the owner and his hired contractor to ensure the safe removal of approximately 10,000 gallons of diesel fuel prior to re-floating the vessel, protecting the National Park and threatened piping plovers on Assateague Island.
“Coast Guard units are on scene assisting the vessel. We are committed to the rapid resolution of this situation, so that the vessel owner can repair his boat and resume his operations,” said Lt. j.g. Scott McBride, Sector Hampton Roads public affairs officer. “Our concerns are safety of the vessel’s crew and mitigating any potential for damage to the environment, hazards to navigation, and protection of property.”
