Three rescued after fishing boat capsizes and spills fuel in Boston Harbor

On April 11, 2025, a commercial fishing boat named Eileen Rita capsized in Boston Harbor while attempting to navigate shallow waters at low tide. The incident occurred near Green Island, which is part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. The Coast Guard received a distress call at approximately 7:45 a.m. regarding the accident, prompting immediate response efforts. Fortunately, the three crew members aboard were unharmed, having donned immersion suits when the vessel began taking on water. Boston Police successfully rescued the stranded individuals and transported them safely to land. Following the rescue, Coast Guard officials assessed the environmental impact of the accident. Reports indicated that the vessel had potentially released thousands of gallons of diesel fuel and lube oil into the water. A sheen of fuel was observed on the surface, raising concerns about pollution in the harbor and its effects on the local ecosystem. The Coast Guard initiated actions to monitor the situation and address any pollution that stemmed from the capsizing event. The cause of the Eileen Rita's accident is still under investigation, with officials considering travel in shallow water during low tide as a significant factor. When vessels navigate these shallow areas, they are at greater risk of grounding, which can lead to dangerous situations such as capsizing. This event highlights the importance of ensuring proper navigational awareness and adherence to maritime safety regulations, particularly when operating in coastal waters with varied depths. In summary, the recent capsizing of the fishing boat Eileen Rita serves as a crucial reminder of the challenges faced by commercial fishing operations in coastal waters. The incident not only underscores the potential risks involved in navigation but also raises significant environmental concerns that need to be addressed promptly to protect Boston Harbor and its surrounding ecosystems.