10 Rescued from Tug Boat Fire off Sakonnet Point

The Viking, a 126-foot tugboat owned by a Texas company caught fire off Sakonnet Point Sunday afternoon, prompting a response from the U.S. Coast Guard and area police and fire departments who rescued 10 people safely.

Members of the Cranston and North Kingstown fire departments responded along with Coast Guard crews about seven miles off Sakonnet Point.

The fire reportedly started in the engine room and firefighters were able to put out the flames using equipment on the boat.

The Viking was disabled after the fire, but it was eventually repairs and was escorted to Buzzards Bay with the tug Sebine, the Coast Guard said.

Though the Viking was carrying gasoline, the fire did not cause any leaks or pollution, the Coast Guard said.