Hybrid fishing boat catches fire off Saint Andrews wharf

Hybrid fishing boat catches fire off Saint Andrews wharf

A hybrid boat belonging to the Peskotomuhkati (Passamaquoddy) docked at the Saint Andrews wharf  caught fire Wednesday.

“On Dec. 3, an unexpected fire occurred aboard one of our fishing vessels while it was secured at the wharf in St. Andrews,” a statement from the Passamaquoddy Recognition Group.

Crews were required to pull the fire hose from the end of the wharf approach due to a weight restriction. (Nathalie Sturgeon/The Courier)

It said no injuries reported in connection to the blaze.

The boat, a diesel-electric model, was purchased through a partnership between Aspin Kemp & Associates and the Peskotomuhkati Nation, according to 2023 report by CBC New Brunswick.

“The cause of the fire remains under investigation,” the statement said.

Around 3:10 p.m., firefighters were seen arriving on scene. Due to a weight restriction on the wharf approach, fire trucks are unable to drive down the length of the wharf. Firefighters were seen by reporters hauling the fire hose to the end of the structure.

Crews from Eastern Charlotte were also called to the scene to assist.

Firefighters from Saint Andrews and Eastern Charlotte were on scene to assist. (Nathalie Sturgeon/The Courier)

The boat was fully submerged on Dec. 4.

“We continue to work closely with the appropriate authorities, insurance representatives, and the vessel’s manufacturer to ensure all cleanup and follow-up procedures are completed responsibly,” the statement went on to say.

It said it would be working to assist with the cleanup and to “secure safe, appropriate methods” to maintain its operations.

The Courier has reached out to the Saint Andrews Fire Department for comment.

Author

  • Nathalie Sturgeon, Local Journalism Initiative, The Courier.

    The Local Journalism Initiative, funded by the Government of Canada, aims to provide journalism to underserved communities. She joined the team in August 2024 and was formerly a digital broadcast journalist with Global News in New Brunswick. She has past experience as the editor of the Kings County Record in Sussex, N.B.

    She is from White Rapids, New Brunswick, just outside of Miramichi. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in journalism from St. Thomas University in Fredericton.

    Nathalie is a strong supporter of local and community news -- and hopes to tell the most important stories for the people of Charlotte County and beyond.

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