A large fire erupted Tuesday morning on a barge laden with scrap metal in the Delaware Bay, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted to the blaze around 8 a.m., dispatching a helicopter and two boats to the scene, according to Petty Officer First Class Matthew West. Local fire departments also joined the effort. West confirmed that the unmanned barge was being moved by a tugboat when the fire broke out, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Several hours later, the fire continued to burn, though ship traffic in the area remained unaffected. Boats were observed on both sides of the stationary barge, deploying water cannons onto the burning metal piles as thick smoke billowed from multiple points on the vessel.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, West stated.
