For Immediate Release

Friday, Aug. 24, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Newburyport Fire Department Responds after Fishing Vessel Catches Fire in Merrimack River

NEWBURYPORT — Chief Christopher LeClaire reports that the Newburyport Fire Department responded to the Merrimack River after a fishing vessel caught fire while waiting to offload its catch.

The 42-foot “Hit List” fishing vessel had a single Atlantic bluefin tuna on board and was waiting to offload when it suddenly caught fire. The captain and mate aboard the vessel escaped and were uninjured.

The incident occurred shortly before 6 p.m. Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Bradbury was in command of the scene.

The vessel was deemed a total loss and was floundering as the tide went out this evening.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Newburyport Fire Department and Newburyport Harbormaster.

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