Tugboat Hits Barge, Sinks Near Tappan Zee Bridge

The U.S.Coast Guard reports that it and local partner agency crews are searching for two people in the water after a tugboat struck a barge and sank near the Tappan Zee Bridge Saturday (March 12) morning.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New York received notification at 5:20 a.m., Saturday of the 90-foot tugboat Specialist, striking a barge and sinking with three people aboard near the Tappan Zee Bridge. Coast Guard Station New York launched a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boatcrew to search for the three people in the water.

At approximately 5:30 a.m. one person was recovered by a first responder in the area and transported ashore to awaiting EMS crews.

As the search continues, mariners in the area are asked to keep a sharp lookout and report any sightings to the Coast Guard Sector New York command center at 718-354-4353 or on the radio at VHF Marine Channel 16.