Fuel-Carrying Tugboat Partially Sinks In Baltimore Waterway

A tugboat sank after hitting an object in Curtis Creek, Baltimore, on Wednesday morning, according to officials.

On April 8, Baltimore City Fire Department Marine Operations received a MAYDAY distress call over VHF from the tug Gale. The crew reported that the vessel had struck an object and was taking on water.

Fire Rescue Boat 1 and Marine 1, acting as Fire Rescue Boat 2, were sent to the location. The Baltimore City Fireboat Station also confirmed that both units were responding after the tug reported it was sinking.

All people on board were safely rescued by a nearby civilian vessel, the fire department said. No injuries were reported, and officials later confirmed that all crew members were safe.

The tug, identified as the Gale, is a 145 gross ton towboat measuring about 65.5 feet (20 metres) in length. It was built in 1980 and has been owned by Maryland-based McLean Contracting since 2020. At the time of the incident, it appeared to be moving a fuel barge.

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. pic.twitter.com/H9IM4C1NsN

— Baltimore City Fireboat Station (@BCFDFireboat1) April 8, 2026

Officials said the vessel had around 6,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 200 gallons of oil on board. There were no signs of any leakage. As a precaution, containment booms are being placed in the water to prevent any possible pollution.

The Emergency Response Division of the Maryland Department of the Environment also reached the site to assist and monitor the situation.

Per reports, the tug became submerged after the collision, though it appeared to remain partly above water and still tied to the barge. Another tug stayed nearby while response teams organised further action.

Salvage operations are now being planned. These include using cranes to bring the vessel upright and sending divers to check the submerged sections.

Officials said they are continuing to monitor the situation.

References: foxbaltimore, baltimoresun