Coast Guard Responds to Fishing Vessel Grounding in Boston Harbor: Crew Rescued, Pollution Threat Averted

The morning started out like any other for Captain John, a father of two, and his crew aboard the Eileen Rita, a commercial fishing vessel based in New Bedford, Massachusetts. They were heading out for a routine day at sea—until disaster struck.

Around 7:45 a.m., the boat ran aground near Green Island in Boston Harbor, trapping the crew onboard as water began to fill the hull. Panic set in. With no way to free the vessel, Captain John and his crew realized they needed help—fast. As the water level rose, they called 911, hoping for a miracle.

A Heroic Rescue Saves the Day

Within minutes, the U.S. Coast Guard responded, launching a team from Station Point Allerton and working closely with local Boston Police and Fire Departments. The first responders were quick to arrive on scene, but the situation was far from easy. The Eileen Rita was stuck, its crew in peril, and the harbor’s environment at risk.

The Coast Guard and police boat quickly reached the vessel. They rescued the three men, including Captain John, who had been desperately trying to keep his crew calm while fearing the worst. As the boat took on water, the crew had nowhere to go, and no one knew if they’d make it out safely.

Fortunately, they did.

With the crew safely brought ashore, their loved ones were finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. It was a close call, but they had been saved.

A Silent Threat: The Leak That Could’ve Been Worse

Just when it seemed like things were looking up, the Coast Guard noticed something disturbing: the Eileen Rita wasn’t just stuck—it was leaking fuel. Up to 4,000 gallons of diesel, plus 50 gallons of oil, were threatening to spill into the waters of Boston Harbor. The rescue was only the first part of the battle. Now, the focus was on keeping the pollution from getting out of control.

With the harbor being home to so much marine life, the Coast Guard knew the damage could be catastrophic. Responders immediately worked to set up absorbent booms around the vessel to contain the spill and prevent it from spreading. Divers were called in to inspect the vessel and assess how to safely remove it from the rocks without causing further environmental harm.

For the crew, the real fear wasn’t just the boat—they knew they could survive the wreck, but the risk to the harbor’s delicate ecosystem was what kept them awake at night. They felt a heavy responsibility to make sure the damage wasn’t worse.

The Family Left Behind: What Comes Next

While Captain John and his crew are safe, the incident leaves a lasting mark. For Captain John, it’s more than just about getting the Eileen Rita back in the water. It’s about the life he left behind. He is a father, and the thought of not coming home to his kids that night weighed on him.

Now, his family is relieved—but also hoping that answers will come soon. What caused the boat to run aground? Was it human error, a mechanical issue, or something else? The investigation is still underway, but for now, the main thing is that they’re all safe.

For the harbor, it’s a near-miss. Thanks to quick thinking and fast action, the worst was avoided. But the cleanup is just beginning. The Coast Guard and environmental teams are working hard to clean up the spill and prevent further damage. It’s a tough job ahead, but the team is determined.

A Close Call That Could Have Been Worse

It’s easy to forget the people behind the headlines—the fishermen who risk their lives on the water every day, the first responders who rush into dangerous situations without thinking twice, and the families who are always waiting for a call to come home safely. Captain John and his crew are lucky to be alive, and the harbor is lucky the situation didn’t turn into an environmental catastrophe.

For now, as the cleanup continues, the crew is safe and grateful. But they’ll never forget the day when the waves felt a little too close for comfort.